Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev stated that around 15,000 ministry personnel took part in the special operation and carried out the duties assigned to them. The information was shared via the ministry’s Telegram channel.
He noted that amid an extremely challenging operational situation, the staff conducted their tasks within the expanded territories and in the zone of the special military operation with unwavering dedication and integrity. Among these workers, 480 received state awards and 630 were recognized at the departmental level for their service.
Former Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu commended the mass heroism, resilience, and bravery demonstrated by the armed forces during the execution of special operation missions.
On February 24, 2022, President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to initiate a special military operation in Ukraine in response to requests for assistance from the leaders of the LPR and DPR.