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Russian President Vladimir Putin made a video speech on February 23 on the occasion of the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.

He first congratulated the veterans, soldiers and civilians working in the field of armed forces, especially the participants in the special military operation, who are firmly defending the territory, interests and future of Russia by displaying bravery at the risk of their lives at the present time. 

He said that the Day of Defenders of the Motherland embodies the sincere love and respect of all the people for the Russian army and fleets and for those who regard their military service as their career and noble mission and for all those who chose to turn out on the path of defending the country.

Noting that this year marking the 80th anniversary of the great victory in the war was declared as a year of defenders of the motherland in Russia, he said this is to praise the invincible generation who won the victory in the war, remember their heroism and self-sacrificing spirit and their epochal victory and pay tribute to the heroes who are carrying forward the feats of their ancestors in the battlefields. 

Russia’s strategic line to strengthen and develop the armed forces remains unchanged as rapid changes are taking place in the world, he said, adding the government will as ever bolster up the combat capability and combat readiness of the army and fleets, the most important component for the security of the country and the guarantee of the independent present and future and progressive development.

He expressed belief that the Russian soldiers would reliably defend their country and people in the future, saying that it is necessary to put absolute priority to meeting the actual needs of the units participating in the special military operation and continue to amply supply the Russian armed forces with new and modern weapons and combat equipment on the basis of an analysis of the battlefield experience.