• World
  • russia

Putin Salutes the ‘Mysterious Power’ of Women

2 minute read
President Putin Attends 7th Congress Of Russia's Chamber Of Commerce And Industry
Russian President Vladimir Putin speeches during the conference of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry on March 1, 2016 in Moscow, Russia.Mikhail Svetlov—Getty Images
By Eliana Dockterman

Russian President Vladimir Putin took the time on Tuesday to celebrate women in an open letter marking International Women’s Day.

“Dear women, you possess a mysterious power: you keep up with everything juggle a myriad of tasks, and yet remain tender, unforgettable and full of charm,” Putin wrote. “You bring goodness and beauty, hope and light into this world. We are proud of you and we love you.”

The leader went on to hail women as the “true soul of Russia” in a speech. Many were quick to point out on social media that Putin has been responsible for jailing many women standing up for women’s rights and human rights in his country.

Read the full letter below:

Dear women,

From all my heart, I congratulate you on International Women’s Day. Russia celebrates this holiday with particular love, probably more so than any other country. It is a holiday filled with gifts and flowers and with our warmest, fondest feelings for our mothers, wives, daughters, colleagues and all the women close to our hearts. After all, it is women who give us life and warm us with their love, support and care. It is women, with their dignity and compassion, who incarnate Russia’s true soul.

I want to say particular words of gratitude today to the women of the wartime generation. Your strength of spirit and your feats taught us to be real men and reach victory in spite of all the obstacles. Today’s women follow in your footsteps, succeeding in every field, in professional and creative careers and public work, and create a happy and comfortable environment for founding families and raising children.

Dear women, you possess a mysterious power: you keep up with everything, juggle a myriad of tasks, and yet remain tender, unforgettable and full of charm. You bring goodness and beauty, hope and light into this world. We are proud of you and we love you.

Once again, let me congratulate you sincerely on this holiday. I wish you days and years filled with joy. I wish you happiness.

 

More Must-Reads from TIME

Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com