Putin called the heroes of the NWO the real elite of the country

Russia will continue to rely on the heroes of the special military operation, as they are the country's elite, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 9.

"We already have a special personnel training program "Time of Heroes" in place. And now among the participants of its first stream there are more than 60 holders of the Order of Courage, and 21 people hold the title of Hero of Russia. We will definitely continue to rely on such people. They are the real, not fake, but genuine elite and pride of the country," the head of state said at the ceremony of awarding Gold Star medals to Heroes of Russia, which was held in the Kremlin on the occasion of Heroes of the Fatherland Day.

Putin noted that Russian servicemen are reliable and brave people who put service to the fatherland above all else. He called such qualities necessary not only in military service, but also in civilian service.

According to the President, the heroism of the military in defending the vital interests of the country becomes a moral guideline for millions of fellow citizens who work with full dedication in all sectors of the economy and achieve their goals. All of them strive to contribute to the common cause, guided by love for their native country, the Russian leader added.

He called it a new proof that Russia has always responded to adversity with unity, cohesion and the will to win. Such motivation is embedded in the national character of the country's inhabitants and will be passed on to the next generations, Putin concluded.

December 9 Heroes of the Fatherland Day: to whom the holiday is dedicated and how it is celebrated in Russia

Earlier in the day, the participants of the special operation shared their combat experience and stories from the front. One of the Heroes of the Russian Federation, Maxim Potashev, told how he wrested an American assault rifle from Polish and Georgian mercenaries in Kharkov region. The second, Alexei Khimenko, shared his memories of storming a school in the Bakhmutskoye settlement in Soledar, where he single-handedly fought a group of Georgian militants.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.