In unconditional priority: Russia will continue to strengthen the combat readiness of the army and navy

Russia's strategic course of strengthening and developing the Armed Forces remains unchanged amid rapid changes in the world. Vladimir Putin said this on February 23 in his congratulatory message on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day. The Russian Federation will continue to increase the combat capabilities of the army and navy to ensure security and sovereignty. The president called the main heroes of the holiday the fighters of the Russian Armed Forces participating in the NWO. On this day in the Kremlin, some of them received the "Gold Star" of the Hero of Russia from the hands of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Congratulating the awardees, the head of state promised that the most serious attention will continue to be paid to improving the level of social security of servicemen.

In the name of the memory of the heroism of the victors

In Russia, February 23 is traditionally celebrated as one of the main state holidays - Defender of the Fatherland Day, which has a history of more than 100 years. It was first celebrated in 1919 as the Day of the Red Army. Then the holiday was renamed several times, and since 1995 it has been known by its current name. On this day, Vladimir Putin always has a special program, and the invariable point of it remains an address to the Russians.

- This year, the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, has been declared in Russia the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland - in glory of the indestructible generation of winners, in memory of their heroism and sacrifice, of the epochal victory they gave to the world, and in honor of the heroes who today on the battlefield are worthily continuing the heroic work of their ancestors, - he stressed.

The sense of patriotism in Russians is nurtured by the history of the country and centuries-old victories of its army in various periods of history: from the battle on Lake Peipsi in the 13th century to the capture of Berlin in 1945. The President dwelt separately on the role of modern defenders of Russia, noting their impeccable service to the motherland. The strategic course of the Russian Federation on strengthening and development of the national armed forces remains unchanged in the conditions of rapid changes in the world, he emphasized. Russia will continue to improve the combat capabilities of the army and navy, their combat readiness as the most important component of ensuring its own security and guaranteeing its sovereign present and future, the head of state said.

The head of state called the participants of the military service the main heroes of the holiday - risking their lives, they resolutely defend their native land, national interests and the future of Russia. One of the unconditional priorities for the country is to meet the real needs of the troops that participate in the Strategic Defense Forces. In addition, the improvement of social security of servicemen is not neglected.

Who were awarded "Golden Stars" on February 23

On February 23, Vladimir Putin presented "Gold Star" medals to some of them in the Kremlin. Eleven servicemen received awards from the hands of the President. Among them was a storm trooper, junior sergeant Andrei Grigoriev, who defeated a Ukrainian armed forces fighter in hand-to-hand combat. Among those present were soldiers and officers who have been on combat watch since the first days and months of the SVO. Here gathered and commanders of assault groups and special formations, and officers of the National Guard troops, and drone operators, and sappers, and scouts. Each of them passed through the trials with dignity and proved themselves to be the highest professionals.

- Today, here in the Kremlin, we honor people of exceptional valor, loyalty and honor," Vladimir Putin said at the award ceremony. - The country is proud of you, your exploits, your contribution to the defense of the Fatherland. Thank you for valor, selflessness, for loyalty to duty and love for the Fatherland.

Major General Andrei Builov, Lieutenant Colonels Ivan Gudkov, Anton Struev and Andrei Nikoluk, Major Evgeny Beletsky, Lieutenant Alexander Puzanov, Junior Sergeant Vladimir Safronov and Sergeant Mark Belopukhov also received the title and medal of Heroes of Russia. Majors Andrei Filonenko and Marat Tibilov of the Federal Service of the National Guard troops were also honored.

- By and large, it was not me who received the Gold Star - Ed.) - it was the merit of my entire unit, - Marat Tibilov told Izvestia. - The unit performed tasks in repelling counterattacks on the settlements of Berdin, Rozgrebli and Novosotnitskiy. Together with the Akhmat special forces unit, I think, it was very effective. Rosgvardiya units did not let us down, worked clearly, in a timely manner, uncovered the enemy, inflicted fire damage to his equipment and personnel and prevented his further breakthrough into the next settlements.

Accompanied by Russian heroes and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, the head of state laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin wall, which is also a traditional item on the President's program on this day. To the accompaniment of a military orchestra, members of the guard of honor placed a wreath of scarlet roses framed with spruce lapnik on a special stand in front of the eternal flame. Vladimir Putin knelt at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and spread on the wreath ribbons made in the colors of the Russian flag with the golden inscription "To the Unknown Soldier from the President of the Russian Federation". To the sound of a metronome, the Russian leader honored the fallen defenders of the Fatherland with a minute of silence.

Following the head of state, flowers were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Andrei Belousov and the heroes of Russia who received medals in the Kremlin. The ceremony was traditionally concluded by a parade march of the combined guard of honor.