Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on the eve of the third anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war that "protecting Russia is the mission entrusted by God."
According to a report by the TASS news agency on the 23rd (local time), President Putin made these comments during the ‘Defender of the Fatherland Day’ military medal ceremony held at the Kremlin, saying, "Dare I say, fate has made it so, and God wanted it that way," and added, "The glorious yet difficult mission of defending Russia lies on our shoulders and yours."
This day marks one day before the third anniversary of Russia's 'special military operation' in Ukraine. It is also the Defender of the Fatherland Day, a significant national holiday in Russia.
On this day, President Putin awarded the Golden Star medal, the highest honor among the 'Hero of Russia' medals, to 11 military personnel, including participants in the special military operation in Ukraine. Among the awarded soldiers was Andrey Grigoryev, a volunteer from the Siberian Yakutia region, who gained attention after a video of him engaged in a fierce close-quarters battle against Ukrainian troops was released.
President Putin expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you to you and all your comrades," and added, "Thanks to your efforts, the goals we have set are being achieved," while also thanking the determination and resolve of all soldiers participating in the special military operation aimed at victory.
President Putin also promised to strengthen the Russian military with modern weapons. He stated, "Continuously improving the combat capabilities and readiness of the army and navy is essential for ensuring the sovereignty and security of the present and the future."
He further stated that providing the military with new and modern weapons and equipment based on battlefield experience and requirements is the top priority.