Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded medals to a group of soldiers at the Kremlin this Monday, February 23, during Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrations, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the special military operation in Ukraine.

“I congratulate you once again on the Defender of the Fatherland Day holiday and on the awarding of these high state decorations,” the president said, as quoted by TASS news agency.

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“Among those present are representatives of the command and officers of special and operational units. Your courageous actions and determination helped us meticulously plan and brilliantly execute the offensive operations of our troops in the most difficult areas and directions,” the head of state declared.

In a Kremlin ceremony that saw nine soldiers receive Gold Stars and two air defense troops earn the Order of Valor, Putin characterized the Ukraine campaign as a defense of Russia’s independence and core principles. The air defense unit recognized has been battling a relentless barrage of Ukrainian drones entering Russian airspace.

In keeping with longstanding custom, the ceremony concluded with a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flanked by the newly decorated troops, Putin laid a wreath against the Kremlin wall as the gathering fell silent for a minute.

In a televised message this evening, Putin promised to accelerate military technological development to strengthen the Russian army.

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