The Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in Luzhniki at a rally-concert

The Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in Luzhniki at a rally-concert dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day

The Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke in Luzhniki at a rally-concert dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day

Dear friends! Good afternoon!

We are meeting with you on the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day. There is something powerful, huge, I would say mystical and holy in this phrase, in these words.
No wonder one of the most famous prayers begins with the words "Our Father": "Father" is the father, and there is something very close to everyone in this. After all, we also say "Motherland". We are talking about family, we are talking about something huge, powerful and at the same time close to the heart of every person: this is both the Motherland and the family. And by and large, the Motherland is a family: in our heart it is the same thing.
There are people – here they are standing next to me, on the left, on the right – there are people who make a decision for themselves to protect the most sacred and most precious thing we have: family and Homeland. And today – as part of a special military operation.
We are gathered here for, in fact, a festive event, but I know – I have just listened to the country's top military leadership – that right now there is a battle on our historical borders for our people.
It is being led by the same courageous fighters who are standing next to us here now. They fight heroically, courageously, bravely. We are proud of them – we are proud, and in their honor – three cheers. They should hear our greeting.
Today they are supported by the whole country. And this means that everyone who does this, to a certain extent, is also a defender of the Fatherland. These are medical workers who help our soldiers get back on their feet, these are doctors, nurses, and nannies, these are, of course, employees of defense enterprises, the transport sector, everyone who does this. Dear friends, this is you all together, who came today to support our fighters. Thanks! These are even children who write their letters in support of our fighters.
It is very important. In this sense, when protecting our interests, when protecting our people, when protecting our culture, language, territory, everything, our entire people is the defender of the Fatherland. Low bow to all.
I congratulate you on the upcoming holiday – Defender of the Fatherland Day.