Lyrics of Russia's National Anthem

Here is an updated translation of the lyrics to Russia's national anthem, approved Saturday by President Vladimir Putin, and an excerpt from the Soviet version. Anthem of the Russian Federation. Music by Aleksandr Aleksandrov, 1944, words by Sergei Mikhalkov, 2000. Russia, our holy country! Russia, our beloved country! A mighty will, a great glory, Are your inheritance for all time! Refrain: Be glorious, our free Fatherland! Eternal union of fraternal peoples, Common wisdom given by our forebears, Be glorious, our country! We are proud of you! From the southern seas to the polar region spread our forests and fields. You are unique in the world, inimitable, Native land protected by God! (Repeat refrain) Wide spaces for dreams and for living Are opened for us by the coming years Faithfulness to our country gives us strength Thus it was, so it is and always will be! (Repeat refrain) From ''Anthem of the Soviet Union,'' music by Aleksandr Aleksandrov, 1944, words by S.V. Mikhalkov and G.A. Registan. Unbreakable union of freeborn republics, Great Russia has welded forever to stand. Created in struggle by will of the people, United and mighty, our Soviet land! Sing to the Motherland, home of the free, Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong. O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people, To Communism's triumph lead us on!