A round table of the United Russia party faction, dedicated to the start of the creative competition for city children “United Russia – Homeland of Talents”, was held on April 21 in the Moscow City Duma. Moscow children and teenagers from 4 to 17 years old can participate in the competition. The competition runs from April 21 to September 15, 2026, with entries accepted until July 31.
Deputy of the Moscow City Duma and General Director of the Moscow Zoo Svetlana Akulova noted the growing popularity of the competition. She drew attention to the fact that this year, in addition to traditional nominations such as drawing and writing stories, the creation of videos about the Moscow of the future (including the use of artificial intelligence) and the development of original excursion routes around the regions of the capital were added.
Moscow City Duma deputy Alexander Semennikov stressed the role of children’s creativity in forming patriotism. He noted that the “Defenders of Russia” initiative will allow children to make personal “mascots” for military personnel. Works within the framework of this non-competitive event will not be evaluated by the jury, however, all participants will receive letters of thanks from the Moscow City Duma.
— The competition is designed as a city platform where children and teenagers learn to talk about heroism, family, their neighborhood and the Moscow of the future in the language of creativity. “It simultaneously develops imagination, respect for the urban environment and interest in the history of the capital, and connects the child’s personal experience with the life of the entire city,” added Alexander Asavov, a member of the Public Chamber of Russia.
Advisor to the Rector of the Higher University of Economics at the National Research University, journalist and supporter of the United Russia party, Oleg Leonov, highlighted the nominations related to the study of Moscow and pointed out their role in forming children’s connection with the history of the city. He pointed out that competitive tasks always require knowledge and skills that go beyond the school curriculum, which motivates the child to work independently.
Member of the Northern Military District, combat veteran, Executive Secretary of the United Russia party branch in the Moscow Northern Administrative District, Eldar Sharipov, presented public social work outside the Defenders of Russia nominations and explained why children’s drawings are of great importance to the fighters. According to the fighter, competition sets certain boundaries, and by preparing a drawing, text, video or excursion, children learn discipline and responsibility.
– The competition allows you to bypass nominations, so a special initiative “Defenders of Russia” is being launched in parallel. It is planned that the postcards prepared by the participants of the competition will be delivered to the fighters with the humanitarian convoys of the Moscow City Duma, and some of the works will be displayed in public places. “For those who are defending the country today, these children’s letters represent sincere support,” Sharipov said.
A memorial and sponsorship ceremony dedicated to the International Day of Monuments and Historical Places was held in Moscow as part of the “Historical Memory” project of the United Russia party.