On November 4, 2025, Russia marked National Unity Day for the 21st time. Reports from multiple regions said the holiday was accompanied by motor rallies, concerts, religious processions, and events in support of those fighting in the war against Ukraine.
The Russian Orthodox Church prepared special materials for priests and catechists for the date. According to the ROC website, the holiday is presented not as abstract unity, but as unity rooted in Orthodoxy. The materials place special emphasis on the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and the role of Patriarch Hermogenes in the events of the early 17th century.
Religious processions took place in many cities. In Kazan, the march was held with the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, while in Vladivostok, as Agenstvo reported, such a procession was held for the first time in 13 years; Governor Oleg Kozhemyako and Mayor Konstantin Shestakov took part. According to the outlet, vehicles in a local motor rally carried not only Russian flags but also at least one Wagner PMC flag.
The publication also said processions were held in at least 14 regions, while in Saratov one was canceled because of a high terrorist threat level. In Vologda, a monument to Ivan IV the Terrible was unveiled the same day, and Governor Georgy Filimonov urged those gathered to shout: “Glory to the warriors of the special military operation.”
United Russia and state-linked organizations held concerts, fairs, and children’s events. In Nizhny Novgorod, the Popular Front staged its “Everything for Victory!” campaign, where residents were invited to weave camouflage nets, make trench candles, and write letters to soldiers. In Nefteyugansk, a festival titled “Pilaf of Friendship” drew confusion from some locals and criticism from pro-war bloggers.
Celebrations were also organized abroad through Rossotrudnichestvo, while in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine the date was marked with concerts, exhibitions, motor rallies, and statements by Moscow-installed officials linking the holiday to the war and to the idea of a shared “Victory.”