RT Prime Minister congratulates Tatarstaners on Defender of the Fatherland Day

The greetings read,

“On February, 23 our country celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day. It is one of the main holidays in our country. It is not the holiday of only those wearing shoulder straps, but those who are not indifferent to words “Fatherland”, “Motherland”, “duty”. This holiday embodies heroic chronicle of the Armed Forces, unbreakable bond of generations, succession of traditions of selfless serving the Fatherland.

The Russian history is rich in examples of heroism and courage, love for country of many generations of defenders. In severe years our people faced many times soldiers of the army and fleet have always demonstrated heroism, commitment to military duty, and boundless love for Motherland. On this special day we honor our valiant Armed Forces. They are a reliable stronghold of stability and peace of the Russian state. We are proud of heroic deeds of veterans of Great Patriotic War and the Afghans, courage of soldiers and officers defending integrity of the Russian Federation in local conflicts.

Today we are sure of reliable protection of our peaceful life. Leadership of our country puts much emphasis on social protection of military servicemen, whose professional skills are improving. The material and technical facilities of military units are getting better. We are taking care of veterans who did their best in order to ensure combat readiness of army and fleet.

Our republic makes a considerable contribution in increasing defensive potential of the country. Being a part of defense-industrial sector of the country Tatarstan enterprises have a high potential to realize the most complicated defence orders.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan let me congratulate you on Defender of the Fatherland Day. I wish you and your families a peaceful sky, strong health, success, optimism and confidence in future.”