Official website of the President of Russia

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, comrades.

I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday that we have marked with a profound sense of pride and gratitude in recent years. We pay tribute to all those who, risking their lives, demonstrate courage and valour and, guided by their love for Russia and our people, carry out their military duty in the special military operation zone, safeguard our borders, and maintain strategic parity.

Russia is fighting for its future, independence, truth and justice. At the forefront of this battle are strong, courageous, and devoted people: the soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces, members of the National Guard, and personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the special services, and other units.

Those gathered at the Kremlin today are not only professionals with extensive experience and outstanding training. They are commanders who have stood shoulder to shoulder with their soldiers from the very beginning of the military operation, sharing every challenge and hardship with their comrades-in-arms. These are people of strong moral convictions and noble ideals, the true patriots of Russia.

The high state decorations you have been awarded, especially the Gold Star medals of Hero of Russia, are a recognition of your achievements.

Among those present are representatives of command structures and officers of special and operational units. Your skilful and courageous actions, personal bravery and determination have contributed to the careful planning and successful execution of our troops’ offensive operations in the most difficult areas and directions.

Dear comrades, we are fully aware of the demands this task is placing on you, and the immense responsibility each of you bears for our people and for our shared cause. Yet you remain steadfast in your service to Russia, acting in c coordinated and precise manner.

Comrades, thank you for your courage and loyalty to your oath, and for honouring the legacy of generations of our ancestors and our dear veterans, those who fought throughout history to defend and protected our great, thousand-year-old Russia.

Once again, I congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day and on being awarded these high state decorations.

I wish you success, good health, and all the very best.

Please convey my sincere words of support to your families and loved ones, to all those who are waiting for you, worrying about you, and keeping you in their thoughts.

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Vladimir Putin: Dear friends, I once again congratulate you on receiving your state decorations and on this holiday.

We all understand what kind of responsibility is on your shoulders. I think this is the most important thing for an officer. Of course, anyone has to think about themselves, their well-being, their life, and their family. But the most important thing is the responsibility for your subordinates, for people that fight beside you, for those whose fates are to a certain extent in your hands. And I ask you to never forget about this crucial thing,

Thank you for your service to the Fatherland. Congratulations!