Putin: our armed forces must always be ready to stop any aggression against Russia

Putin: our armed forces must always be ready to stop any aggression against Russia Putin our armed forces must always be ready to stop any aggression against Russia - Vladimir Putin was present at the State Kremlin Palace during a gala evening dedicated to the Day of Defender of the Fatherland. The President congratulated the servicemen, civilian personnel of the Armed Forces and veterans on the upcoming holiday. Vladimir Putin: Dear comrades! Dear friends! I cordially congratulate servicemen, civilian personnel of the Armed Forces, our dear veterans on the upcoming Day of Defender of the Fatherland! On this day we honor those who have opted for the difficult and demanding path of the military, who saves the peaceful life of our citizens, the security of our country. And of course, this holiday symbolizes the glorious centuries-old Russian army. At all times, it served as a solid bulwark of the state, the guarantor of stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, it symbolized the national dignity and power. Our people have always been proud of their defenders, their martial arts prowess, brilliant victories. Heroes of Poltava, Borodino, Stalingrad and many, many legendary battles and battles fought to the death for their homeland and not just in the history of their tenacity, courage, fortitude and heroism decided the fate of Russia. Not sparing his life, our officers and soldiers helped defend the freedom and independence of other peoples, carried out important peacekeeping missions, participated in disaster relief, rescuing people in emergency situations. To serve in the Armed Forces with such great tradition - a great honor and a huge responsibility. I am sure that the current generation of Russian soldiers is well understood. And just like their predecessors, are worthy of the high rank of Defender of the Fatherland. Dear comrades! Armed Forces of the important tasks to ensure our national interests. I want to thank the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the personnel of the Armed Forces of the honest and conscientious service. The military skill of our troops are now being improved and in a military operation in Syria. Fighting in the Middle Eastern country, our officers and soldiers to protect the interests of the Russian Federation, destroy militants who directly called an enemy of our country and do not hide their plans to expand the expansion, including in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Combat pilots work VKS, sailors and military support units deserves the highest praise. In the difficult conditions they help the Syrian government army, other participants in the antiterrorist struggle to smash the rebels to save civilians from violence, barbarism and tyranny. We have always sought to resolve any contentious issues solely by politico-diplomatic means, not just contributed to the stabilization of the situation in different countries and regions of the world, and helped extinguish the sharp conflicts. We will strive to do so in this case. At the same time, our armed forces must always be ready to respond quickly and appropriately to potential threats, stop any provocation or aggression against Russia. In recent years, we have made some serious steps to strengthen the army and navy. Every year, increasing the possibility of air and space forces and the Navy, strategic deterrence capability, enhanced grouping in key strategic areas. The level of operational and combat training of troops, introduced the most modern means of communication and control. Parts and connections systematically equipped with the latest weapons and military equipment, and the Russian defense industry is focused on the development and production of advanced weapons systems. Strengthening and development of the Armed Forces and the entire military organization of Russia will always be the most important task of the state. The implementation of this task, we look forward to an active position of the officer corps. Even at the dawn of creation regular forces Peter the Great military said in a charter of the special status and the high destiny of the commander, the military commander. And today, faithful to his calling and swearing, Russian officers are reliable support of our army. From your professionalism and experience depends on personnel training and education in the spirit of patriotism and responsibility for the future of Russia. Dear friends! I wish you success in your service. I'm sure you can always count on the support of your family and friends, and, of course, all of our great country, the whole of Russian society. Happy you Happy Holidays! Thank you for your attention.