On 23 February, all Russians celebrate Defenders of the Motherland Day. This is indeed a nation-wide holiday that personifies the recognition of the great services of the Russian forces to the country and the people. During a state award presentation ceremony yesterday, President Vladimir Putin described the hard work of those guarding the security of Russia in the following words.
“Many pages in the glorious history of Russia narrate the bravery of our nation in great battles for the unity and independence of our Motherland. These pages are full of innumerable examples of strength of mind, courage, and sincere loyalty to our country. The main heroes of the victories in question have always been those in uniform. It is their staunchness and feats of heroism that helped to harden and consolidate Russian statehood, defend the nation’s sovereignty, and keep the peace.
The best traditions of the Russian forces are worthily followed and respected by today’s Russian servicemen. Last year proved especially notable in that sense, for the Russian Army and Navy started rearming in practical terms and getting back to a proper state of readiness following a long period of difficulty caused by the unstable economic situation in Russia. The Strategic Missile Forces have put on ready alert the TOPOL-M ICBM, which is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The state-of-the-art submarine Yuri Dolgoruky is about to be commissioned, along with other types of submarines that are continually built in Russian shipyards. The Russian Navy has held a large-scale high-seas oceanic exercise for the first time in the past 15 years. Russian strategic aviation has resumed patrols over world regions of vital importance to this country. The unique S-400 antimissile and antiaircraft weapons system has entered front-line service. The ground forces missile Iskander-M has been effectively tested. Our Russian Army is now actively re-equipping with recently developed armoured vehicles.
Contemporary Russia is a peace-loving and democratic state that threatens no one, and it is not about to act aggressively. However, then again, no one should attempt to provoke Russia. The setting up of a new ABM basing area in Eastern Europe in the immediate vicinity of the Russian border is a direct threat to our country”.
President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow on Friday that Russia would respond in kind to the development of NATO’s military infrastructure surrounding Russia, as well as to any other potential threat to Russian security.
23 February 2008
Voice of Russia World Service
http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=23309&cid=59&p=23.02.2008
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