Address of Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day

On 23 February in his address on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day, the Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: ’Today our country is celebrating one of the most important state holidays - the Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is the embodiment of honorary history of great victories and battles of Russia based on patriotism and unity of our people.

I pass especially warm congratulations to WWII veterans who defended freedom and independence of the Motherland in severe conditions. Memory of your feasts, selfless love and dedication to your country serves as a high moral guide for all us and will always live in our hearts and be passed from generation to generation.

I express appreciation to all our compatriots who fulfilled their duty with honor during reconciliation of local wars and conflicts and took part in peace-support missions.

Today under supervision of our Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin our heroic soldiers courageously fulfill their military duty in the zone of the special military operation, demonstrating an example of a true service to the Motherland. I express words of deep respect and acknowledgement to you. All country is proud of you.”

In conclusion Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated all defenders of the Fatherland, their families, veterans and all Tatarstan residents with the holiday and wished them good health, strong spirit, prosperity, happiness and success.