Putin hands out military awards, attends ceremony on national holiday

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a wreath laying ceremony on Monday at the Kremlin and handed out awards to the military on Russia's annual "Defender of the Fatherland Day", a holiday for military pomp and Kremlin-sponsored patriotism.

The event included honoring fallen soldiers with a moment of silence and a ceremonial march by an honor guard. During the speech, Putin said Russia is fighting “for its future, independence, truth and justice” — framing the country’s military efforts as crucial to national survival and sovereignty.

He thanked service members and awarded troops for ‘their service to the Fatherland’ and congratulated them on the holiday. He highlighted that the date — celebrated for decades — symbolizes “people’s sincere love for their defenders” and veteran dedication to protecting Russia’s sovereignty and security.