Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Ministry of Emergency Situencies is increasingly contributing to national security and should respond to emergencies with greater effectiveness. He expressed these views in a video message marking the Day of the Savior of Russia.
Putin highlighted the ministry’s role in safeguarding the country’s overall security and urged the continuation of positive developments achieved by the service. He called for improved emergency response at all levels and stressed the need to enhance the work of Emergency Ministry units in the federation’s new constituent regions.
Day of the Savior of Russia is observed as a professional holiday for rescuers across various spheres, including regional rescue services, municipal rescue services, centralized duty dispatch centers, special rescue teams, military rescue units, fire protection services, emergency responders, public rescue organizations, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Historical notes point to a decree signed on November 26, 1995, by Boris Yeltsin, then President of the Russian Federation, establishing the Day of the Savior of Russia and directing that it be celebrated on December 27. This followed a Council of Ministers decision to create the Russian Rescue Corps as a state committee of the RSFSR and to set up a unified state-public system for forecasting, prevention, and response to emergencies.
Earlier events also highlighted the region’s rescue efforts, including a rescue operation in the Volgograd region where a schoolboy who had fallen through ice was saved.
As the nation reflects on the ongoing mission of emergency services, authorities emphasize ongoing improvements in coordination, training, and resource allocation to strengthen readiness for diverse crisis scenarios. The commitment to building resilient regional capabilities remains central to safeguarding communities and ensuring rapid, effective interventions during emergencies. [citation attribution]