Defenders of the Fatherland Day in the capital spotlighted a quiet, symbolic moment on the Kremlin wall near Alexander Garden as President Vladimir Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony, described by the Kremlin press office, highlighted the steady symbolism of the site, a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members across Russia’s military history, both near and far.
During the event, a female participant adjusted the ribbon on her wreath, a small gesture that drew attention to the careful rituals that accompany such commemorations. The moment underscored the human element of the occasion, illustrating the respect and discipline that mark military remembrance ceremonies.
Present were veterans, officers from different branches, and students from military academies. Their presence reflected a cross section of Russian society united in honoring those who have served and the ongoing role of the armed forces in national life. The gathering helped forge a tangible link between generations of service members and the civilians who recognize their dedication.
On February 23, the president offered congratulations to Russians serving in the armed forces, honoring Defender of the Fatherland Day. He noted that the future of the Russian armed forces—the army, the air force, and the navy—depends on leadership, mentorship, and professionalism at the sergeant and officer levels, who operate in demanding environments, including recent military operations in Ukraine. The remarks pointed to the government’s emphasis on building leadership pipelines, raising training standards, and ensuring the readiness of personnel who hold essential roles in ongoing missions and potential future challenges.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also delivered remarks on Defender of the Fatherland Day. He publicly recognized military personnel who distinguished themselves in combat missions, reinforcing morale across units and signaling ongoing efforts to acknowledge exemplary service. Shoigu spoke of the substantial workload facing the Russian armed forces and the need to maintain disciplined, capable troops to meet a broad set of security objectives.
Earlier, Shoigu signed an order related to Defender of the Fatherland Day, signaling procedural and ceremonial actions tied to the holiday. The sequence of official acts—wreath laying, speeches by senior leaders, and awards—together creates a full observance that links the day to tradition and ongoing national defense priorities for the years ahead, a pattern echoed in similar commemorations across the country as reported by the official channels.