February 23 is Defender of the Fatherland Day

On February 23, CSTO Member States Honor Defenders of the Fatherland. 

Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Belarus, congratulated his compatriots, veterans and servicemen on the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces.

“This holiday has long ago become truly common, and I express my deepest respect to our veterans - real warriors and valiant heroes who defended the freedom of the Fatherland during the Great Patriotic War, as well as to home front workers who brought the Victory closer by their labor; and this year, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of this Victory,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, congratulated veterans, personnel and civilian personnel of the Russian Armed Forces on February 23.

“We rely on the centuries-old victorious traditions of the Russian warriors, on the strength, faith and courage of our ancestors. They fought on Lake Peipus and Kulikovo Field, already defended Moscow in the XVI century, persevered during the Time of Troubles and preserved our statehood; they triumphed at Poltava, gained glory in the Battle of Borodino, defended Sevastopol during the Crimean War, showed courage in the Battle of Galicia and other battles of the First World War. They performed a colossal feat, defeated Nazism, stormed Berlin and welcomed there the victorious May of 1945. This year, the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia,” Vladimir Putin said.

February 23 marks the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Tajikistan's Armed Forces.

Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, wished the Armed Forces personnel good health, courage and strong will.

“I sincerely congratulate all of you - servicemen of the Armed Forces, other military structures and law enforcement agencies of the state on this historic date - the holiday of brave and valiant sons of the Fatherland,” Emomali Rahmon said.

Large-scale celebrations, military parades and officer friendship festivals are taking place in the Republic today.

The Kyrgyz Republic also celebrates the Defender of the Fatherland Day. Traditionally on this day in the capital, the personnel of the Bishkek garrison is assembled on the square in front of the City Hall, parading to the Ala-Too, main square of the capital, to the sound of the orchestra.