Vladimir Putin: «We rely on the victorious traditions of the Russian army — on the strength, faith and courage of the ancestors»

Dear comrades, friends!

I cordially congratulate the defender of the Fatherland of our expensive veterans, personnel and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of Russia — all who received severe combat, military hardening, went through difficult trials.

Special words of congratulations to our soldiers and officers — participants in a special military operation. Today, risking life and showing courage, they resolutely defend their native land, national interests and the future of Russia. It is you who are the main characters of the Defender of the Fatherland Day, which our whole country celebrates.

This holiday personifies truly popular love and respect for our army and navy, for people for whom the military path has become a profession and a high vocation, to everyone who made their choice today and defended their homeland. The military service has always enjoyed us with special honor, and remains and remains a matter of honor, and the feelings of patriotism are brought up by our history and are passed down from generation to generation.

: those who fought on Lake Peips and Kulikovo, who in the 16th century defended Moscow, defeated the turmoil and took our statehood, who triumphed near Poltava, converted his glory in the Battle of Borodino, defended Sevastopol during the Crimean War, showed courage in Galicia the battle and other battles of the First World War, who committed a grandiose feat — defeated Nazism, stormed Berlin and met the victorious May 1945 there.

The current year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the year of the defender of the Fatherland was declared in Russia-for the glory of the indestructible generation of winners, in the name of memory of their heroism and sacrifice, about the epoch-making victory that they gave to the world, and in honor of the heroes that today on the battlefield adequately continue The military business of their ancestors.

We all understand how difficult it is for you, proud and support you. I thank all participants in a special military operation for the fortitude and determination to win. I thank all the defenders of Russia for the honest, impeccable service to the Motherland and our people.

Dear comrades!

Today, in the context of rapid changes in the world, our strategic course towards strengthening and developing the armed forces remains unchanged. We will continue to increase the combat capabilities of the army and navy, their combat readiness as the most important component of security of Russia, a guarantee of its sovereign present and future, its progressive development.

Among the unconditional priorities — to ensure the real needs of the troops involved in a special military operation. Given the analysis of the combat use of weapons and equipment, we will continue to saturate the armed forces with new, modern samples. We will pay serious attention and increase the level of social security of military personnel.

I am sure that the warriors of Russia will continue to reliably defend their native country and their people.

The kindest wishes are your family and friends, those who are waiting and love you.

Happy holiday, new successes in the service for the good of our great homeland!

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin

source: Kremlin.ru