Top leader To Lam honored with 2026 Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize

Dignitaries at the event include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly Vyacheslav Volodin, and Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko.

Addressing the ceremony, President Putin described To Lam as a respected and forward-looking political leader, a true patriot who has chosen the path of devoted service to his homeland and the defense of its national interests as head of state.

The Russian leader underlined that the Vietnamese leader pursues a balanced domestic and foreign policy which contributes to the strengthening of an independent and sovereign Viet Nam and to ensuring stability and security in Asia and throughout the world.

This award is also as a high appreciation of To Lam, great personal contribution to deepening friendship and mutual understanding between Russia and Viet Nam, noted Putin.

"Being a principled and consistent supporter of promoting Russian-Vietnamese strategic partnership, you permanently monitor the development of direct political, economic and humanitarian contacts between our countries", he underlined.

To, for his part, reiterated that the prize is not only recognition of his personal contributions, but also reflects appreciation for the Vietnamese people's tradition of peace, the nation's independent and self-reliant foreign policy based on peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as its active and responsible contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Viet Nam would continue to work with the international community to promote dialogue, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and resolve differences and disputes via peaceful means on the basis of the United Nations Charter and international law, for a peaceful, stable and sustainably developing world, told the Vietnamese leader.

The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize is an international award initiated by Russia and presented to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to peace, security, cooperation and mutual understanding among nations.

The prize honors outstanding achievements in efforts to ensure common security and equality on the basis of international law, prevent the risk of war and nuclear catastrophe, promote the building of a multipolar and non-violent world, and strengthen understanding, trust, peace and cooperation among nations./.