Shoigu said that the West’s attempts to “dismember” Russia are doomed to failure

The West seeks to “dismember” Russia, but these attempts are doomed to failure, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a gala evening at the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day.

“Today, we are once again in serious danger. Using Ukraine, the collective West seeks to dismember Russia, deprive it of its independence. These attempts are doomed to failure.” declared Shoigu (quoted by TASS)

The minister stressed that now the armed forces serve as a guarantee of national security and stable development of Russia. He noted that Russian soldiers and officers defend what “our grandfathers and great-grandfathers fought for,” for whom the “highest meaning of life” has always been the security and well-being of the Motherland. “And for us, their successors, devotion to the Fatherland is the main value, a reliable support for the independence of Russia,” the minister said.

The victories of the Russian soldier are forever inscribed in the history of the country, and the feat of the people during the Great Patriotic War will never fade, Shoigu stressed.

“I sincerely thank those who are on the front line, who solve difficult tasks to ensure combat operations, and at the risk of their lives, fulfill their military duty,” Shoigu said, sending words of special gratitude to the officers and personnel of military medical units and organizations.

The minister also noted that Heroes of Russia were present at the gala evening, including pilots – Colonels Sergey Demyanenko, Viktor Romanov, Maxim Stefanov, paratroopers – Major Alexander Volkov, Lieutenant Denis Skakunovsky and others. Shoigu expressed gratitude to the families of military personnel for the moral support of Russian soldiers. The Minister noted that the social protection of such families is a priority for the Ministry of Defense.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his video message on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day noted the exploits of veterans of the Great Patriotic War and stated that the current generation of Russian soldiers and officers “preserves and enhances the military traditions of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers.” Putin also congratulated military personnel, volunteers and conscripts on the holiday who are participating in the military special operation in Ukraine and “heroically fighting neo-Nazism”, “protecting our people in our historical territories.”