June 12 marks Russia's Independence Day. This date has been celebrated in the Tskhinvali region as one of the “state” holidays since 2005. The de facto President, Anatoly Bibilov, congratulated the Russian President and other government officials on the national holiday. In the evening, Bibilov, the Russian “Ambassador,” Marat Kulakhmetov, and other political and public figures attended a solemn reception. “I wish to our Motherland Russia to be a strong state,” Bibilov said.

On the same day, a motor rally was held which was organized by Mikhail Kochiev, the Leader of the United Alania youth organization. Anatoly Bibilov and Sergey Skvortsov, the Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo office in the Tskhinvali region, addressed the participants of the event. During the rally, flags of  Russia and so-called Republic of South Ossetia were erected on cars.

The Rossotrudnichestvo office also hosted a master class on the Golden Khokhloma Russian traditional wood-painting technique. The participants of the event familiarized themselves with the history of the painting techniques, its main types and also tried to depict some artistic motives. The master class was organized by the ROSSY public organization of the Russian population in the Tskhinvali region.

On Russia Day, the Alley of Heroes of the Great Patriotic War and the Eternal Flame monument were opened at the 4th military base of the Russian Federation. The ceremony was attended by commanders of the 4th military base, as well as the Russian “Aambassador,” Marat Kulakhmetov.