Xinhua News Agency, Moscow, February 23 (Reporter Hua Di) Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the 23rd that safeguarding national defense capability has always been the most important national task of Russia, and the Russian armed forces are a reliable guarantee for national security, peaceful and stable life of citizens and stable development of the country.
February 23rd is Defender of the Russian Motherland Day. In a video speech delivered on the same day, Putin said that the current international situation is complex, NATO is becoming increasingly active and the arms control system is shaken, which leads to numerous dangers. At the same time, Russia’s call for establishing an equal and indivisible security system has not been answered. Russia has always been open to direct and frank dialogue and exploring diplomatic channels to solve complex problems.
Putin said that Russia will continue to develop its military strength and ensure that the army is equipped with the latest equipment. In recent years, the modernization level of the Russian armed forces has been continuously improved, and it has been confirmed in the actions in Syria that the Russian armed forces have the ability to complete complex tasks. He also said that surprise inspections and regular large-scale exercises show that the combat readiness and coordination ability of Russian troops have been greatly improved.
Putin said that Russia will continue to develop weapon systems, including hypersonic weapons, and expand the application scope of digital technology and artificial intelligence, thus enhancing the combat strength of the Russian armed forces.
On the same day, Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the red wall of Moscow Kremlin.
February 23rd was the Soviet Army Day. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia changed it to Defender’s Day of the Motherland.