"For our future, for independence, for truth and justice"
The competent and courageous actions of the heroes of the SVO helped to brilliantly implement operations in the most intense areas and directions. Vladimir Putin said this on February 23 at the state awards ceremony in the Kremlin. In his congratulations on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, the President noted that the interests of the country are now being defended shoulder to shoulder by representatives of all the peoples of Russia in the free zone. The Head of State promised that the Russian Federation would continue to strengthen its army and navy, including on the basis of combat experience gained. About the servicemen who received the award from the hands of the president and what Vladimir Putin said about Russia's nuclear triad — in the Izvestia article.
"People of special training and indomitable will"
The history of Defender of the Fatherland Day dates back more than 100 years: this holiday has been celebrated since 1922, during Soviet times it was called "Red Army Day". Since then, February 23 has been renamed several times, but since 1995 it has acquired its final modern name. On this day, the president always has a separate program, and its invariable point remains an appeal to the Russians.
— The date of February 23 has been celebrated in our country for many decades as one of the most significant public holidays, — said Vladimir Putin. "It has become a symbol of sincere national love for our defenders, pride in the army and navy of the state, for those who have devoted their lives to serving the Motherland, who reliably guard its sovereignty and security, are faithful to the military oath and honestly and conscientiously fulfill their professional duty.
The President separately congratulated veterans, military personnel and civilian personnel of the Russian Armed Forces on Defender of the Fatherland Day. Russia preserves the memory of the heroic pages of the country's history and passes it on from generation to generation. This memory was formed thanks to the military skill of great generals, the indomitable will and courage of soldiers and commanders, the head of state noted.
— The president's words are a statement of fact: the outcome of any battle is decided by people. You can have the most modern equipment, verified staff plans and tactical schemes, but without the personal character of the fighter, without his inner core, all this does not work," Olga Zanko, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of Civil Society, Public and Religious Associations, told Izvestia. — For more than 10 years, together with the Victory Volunteers, we have been taking care of veterans. And you know, different generations of Heroes combine courage, responsibility and duty. It's in our blood.
Today, representatives of all the peoples of the Russian Federation stand shoulder to shoulder defending the interests of the country, fulfilling the tasks of a special military operation. It is no coincidence that 2026 was declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia on the initiative of the President.
— I bow low to all those who are fighting for the Fatherland. Eternal memory to the heroes who fell for our people," said the Russian leader.
The appeal became not only part of the festive program, but also a signal about the priorities of the Russian military policy — the emphasis today is on combat experience and modernization of strategic forces. The Head of State promised that Russia would continue to strengthen the army and navy, including on the basis of the experience gained in the special operation. In particular, to accelerate the development of advanced systems for the armed forces. The development of the nuclear triad, which guarantees Russia's security and helps ensure a balance of power in the world, remains an absolute priority. In addition, the Russian Federation intends to increase the potential of all types of weapons, as well as improve their combat readiness, mobility and ability to operate in any, the most difficult conditions.
"I am sure of the main thing: this equipment will always be in safe hands," the head of state emphasized. — Our soldiers and officers are true patriots, people of special training and indomitable will, the mainstay of the state and society. I thank all the soldiers of Russia for their valiant service. All the best to your families, relatives and friends! The people of Russia are with you. And he believes in you.
Who was awarded the "Golden Stars" by the president in the Kremlin
On February 23, Vladimir Putin personally presented insignia to military personnel whose names have already gone down in history - the soldiers of the SVO who proved themselves during combat missions and were awarded the title Hero of Russia. Their competent and courageous actions, personal bravery and determination helped us carefully plan and brilliantly implement the offensive operations of our troops in the most tense areas and directions, the head of state stressed.
"We honor all those who, at the risk of their lives, with bravery and courage, with love for Russia and our people, perform their military duty in the zone of a special military operation, guard our borders, and ensure strategic parity. Russia is fighting for its future, for independence, for truth and justice, and strong, brave, selfless people are at the forefront of this struggle," the president said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Commander of the Central Military District, Lieutenant General Harutyun Darbinyan, who was awarded the title Hero of the Russian Federation, at the ceremony of awarding state awards to the Heroes of Russia on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
On Defender of the Fatherland Day, 11 servicemen received state awards from the President in the Kremlin's Executive Office. Vladimir Putin personally presented the Gold Star medals to Lieutenant General Harutyun Darbinyan, Colonel Vyacheslav Vedenin, Lieutenant Colonel Inal Geriev, Senior Lieutenants Sergei Karimov and Vladimir Silenko, Major General Yevgeny Kovylin and Lieutenant Mikhail Korol. Colonel Alexander Fabrichnov and Senior Lieutenant Vasil Yamaletdinov were awarded the highest rank.
— This day will remain in the memory of both me and the brigade personnel — this is their merit too. And relatives, relatives, everyone is waiting," said Alexander Fabrichnov.
Officers of the 116th separate special purpose brigade of the Russian Guard were also awarded. Colonel Alexander Rukosuev and Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Netesov were awarded the Orders of Courage for their bravery and impeccable performance of duty in the Southern District.
Russian President Vladimir Putin at the flower-laying ceremony at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden at the Kremlin Wall on Defender of the Fatherland Day
Then, accompanied by the Heroes of Russia, holders of the Order of Courage and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, President Putin laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall — this is another traditional item on the President's program on Defender of the Fatherland Day. To the sounds of a military band, the soldiers of the honor guard placed a wreath of red roses in front of the Eternal Flame. The Russian leader knelt and, to the sound of a metronome, honored the fallen defenders of the Fatherland with a minute of silence. According to tradition, the ceremony was completed by the parade march of the combined guard of honor.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
