Soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces reported on the special significance of Defender of the Fatherland Day for them

Russian military personnel taking part in a special military operation (SMO) are celebrating Defender of the Fatherland Day with the whole country. In a conversation with an Izvestia correspondent on the eve of the holiday, they admitted that they feel particularly excited and proud on February 23.

"It's not just a holiday, Defender of the Fatherland Day. For us, as for the military - it is pride that we have such a day, when we are honored, congratulated, thanked. This day gives us such enthusiasm and pride," said the commander of the tank platoon with the call sign Realist.

At the same time, despite the festive day, Russian fighters continue to perform their work in the NWO zone.

"Here even now we are giving an interview, and literally 20 kilometers away from us there is combat work going on. And we have a crew working there. For us it will just be a calendar day of red. Someone can celebrate, and someone - can not", - added the commander of the tank company with the call sign Lys.

"I made a decision and called the fire on myself."

On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, the participants of the SSO spoke about their combat work

Earlier on February 23, it was reported that soldiers of the Russian Armed Forces liberated the village of Ulakly in the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR). Also in the DNR was liberated the village of Novoandreyevka. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov expressed gratitude to the commanders and personnel of the 39th Guards Independent Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Red Banner and the 1472nd Guards Motorized Rifle Regiment who participated in the liberation of Ulakly.

Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Gold Star medals to 11 military men who were declared Heroes of Russia on the Defender of the Fatherland Day holiday in the Kremlin's executive office. In his speech at the ceremony, the head of state emphasized that the participants of the special operation to protect Donbass were faithful to the precepts of their ancestors and bravely fought for justice, peace and the future of the people of the Russian Federation.