“I cordially congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day, and all those who have been hardened in heavy combat and went through difficult trials,” the head of State said in his message broadcast by Russian media on Sunday.

The president underscored that this holiday embodies “truly nationwide love and respect” for the Russian Army and Navy, those for whom military service has become a profession and the true purpose, “all those who made their choice and stood up in defense of the Motherland now.”

Military service has always been held in high esteem in our country. It has been and remains a matter of honor, and the sense of patriotism has been nurtured by our history and is passed on from generation to generation, he stated.

In particular, Putin stressed that the soldiers taking part in the special military operation in Ukraine are bravely defending Russia, its interests, and its future.

The Russian president also noted that the Army and Navy continue to be the key to the country’s sovereign and gradual development.

Today, as the world is changing impetuously, our strategic course for strengthening and developing the armed forces remains unchanged.

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