Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised combat capability of the Armed Forces, thanking all servicemen for the worthy performance of their military duty.

According to Tass. the president also expressed special gratitude to the veterans, calling them "a great generation, who have taught us, their descendants, how to win and not to give up." He also noted that thanks to Russia’s "never fading heroism" the traditions of patriotism are "so strong" in the country.

"The modern world requires constant vigilance and readiness to respond to the most difficult challenges, to act competently, decisively and effectively. Our Army and Navy know how to do this. We are proud of their combat capability, training, perfect possession of modern knowledge and the latest weapons," Putin said in his congratulation on Defender of the Fatherland Day on the Russia-24 TV channel. He thanked all servicemen and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces for the worthy performance of their military duty.

Putin stressed that one of evidence of the growing authority of the Armed Forces was a greater interest of the young generation in military service. "I congratulate you on the holiday, which is a symbol of courage and devotion to the Fatherland, and is celebrated by our people with pride, with respect for all the defenders of their native country, for those who are protecting the borders of Russia today. <...> From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on this holiday. I wish you good health and all the best," the president said.

Defender of the Fatherland Day was first celebrated on February 23 as the anniversary of creating the Red Army. Until 1993 it was named Day of the Red Army and the Navy.