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Putin reminds that "patriotism drastically differs from nationalism"

The president has also personally posed as an interpreter from the German language the All-Russia People’s Front media forum

ST. PETERSBURG, April 7. /TASS/. Patriotism is one of the key components of the Russian self-consciousness, moreover, unlike some European countries, in Russia the feeling is not lost, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday while answering a question from a participant of the All-Russia People’s Front (ONF) media forum what the Russian national idea is.

"For Russia, for a Russian person, the feeling of patriotism, the sense of national identification are very important - what is unfortunately being lost in some European countries," Putin said. "We’ve got that inside of us, in our heart - love for the homeland."

The Russian leader expressed confidence that "one of the key components of our self-consciousness, one of the values and ideas is patriotism."

Putin recalled the words of outstanding Soviet Russian scholar Dmitry Likhachev that patriotism drastically differs from nationalism.

"Nationalism is hatred of other peoples, while patriotism is love for your motherland," Putin cited his words.

Putin poses as interpreter from German

Vladimir Putin has also personally posed as an interpreter from the German language.

The forum was attended by a representative of German media, who addressed the Russian head of state. It turned out that it was impossible to provide translation from German quickly.

Putin found the way out of the situation: he translated the words of the German journalist for the forum’s participants. The interpretation was consecutive and was accompanied by applause from those gathered.

After that, Putin noted that "our honored guest expressed very correctly what represents universal human values - this is also important for Russia."