Please, go ahead. Please. Officer comrades, dear friends, I warmly greet you and congratulate you on the successful completion of your studies. Today, traditionally, we honor the best graduates of military academies, institutes, and universities. You have shown exemplary performance in mastering the curriculum of educational institutions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement agencies, and special services. You passed your specialized disciplines with excellence and demonstrated a high level of combat and specialized training. I am confident that the acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities will allow you to become true commanders, and therefore strengthen our officer corps and make a worthy contribution to ensuring the country's security.
On this solemn day, we are in St. George's Hall of the Moscow Kremlin. It is here, in this historic place, that the finest warriors of the fatherland have always been honored—those who fought selflessly for the homeland, for its freedom and sovereignty, for the peaceful and safe life of our people. Today, Russian officers and soldiers are courageously and effectively fulfilling their tasks during the special military operation, liberating our historic lands, and protecting our people. I am sure that you will be worthy of the high title of Russian officer and will make every effort to multiply the glorious traditions of our armed forces. I emphasize in particular that it is important to continue studying the achievements of military science throughout your service and to grow professionally. As the prominent military theorist General Mikhail Dragomirov noted, a leader dedicated to his cause must continue learning, because without knowledge there can be no victories.
Dear friends, you are to embark on your service and lead military subdivisions, units, and formations during an uneasy time. The contemporary international situation is far from stable. Armed confrontation in the Middle East does not cease. The conflict potential has increased significantly across several regions of the world, including across Eurasia. We see that while NATO countries previously limited themselves to supporting the Kyiv regime—which came to power illegally through armed means via a state coup—now in the West they openly speak about preparing for war with us and are expanding their offensive military budgets. Moreover, to justify such expenditures and the radical militarization of their states, the leaders of NATO and EU countries, as before, use false statements about an alleged Russian military threat.
The pattern of action of the so-called collective West is very simple. First, they create threats to our country, forcing us to take necessary measures for self-defense and protection, and then they immediately blame us for all mortal sins to justify continuing their aggressive policy and aggressive actions against Russia. All of this is well known and familiar to us. Even after the treacherous attack on the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941—a truly treacherous attack—the West, Hitler's Germany, attempted to blame the USSR and Stalin for aggression against, as we say today, the collective West. Surprisingly, this is still being entertained in pseudo-scientific circles.
I emphasize that Russia consistently stands for equal and indivisible security for all. We are convinced that this can only be achieved by forming a multipolar system of international relations and reliably ensuring the military security of every state. At the same time, we are prepared to respond promptly and adequately to any external and internal threats. In accordance with the state armament program, the nuclear triad and ground forces are being consistently modernized, and the combat potential of the aerospace forces and the navy is growing. I particularly note that since the beginning of the special military operation, there has been a qualitative development of many types of weapons.
I will mention just one figure. Over the past year, more than a thousand models of weapons and equipment were tested under combat conditions, including unmanned aerial vehicles with advanced guidance systems, loitering munitions, robotic complexes for various purposes, and much, much more. At the same time, an efficient exchange of information has been established between the troops on the front lines and defense enterprises. The established feedback channels allow data on weapon and equipment effectiveness to be collected, taking into account the assessments of the military personnel who use them on the battlefield.
All of this is being done—and I emphasize, this is especially important—on our own domestic scientific and technological base. It is the result of the work of our scientists, designers, engineers, and workers. It is fully provided with the necessary rhythmic financing based on Russia's stable and sustainable economy. But, of course, no achievements in the production of the most modern means of warfare can replace the courage and professionalism of our soldiers. The main component of success in the special military operation is the military collective. Its leading and guiding force has been and remains the officers. As Peter the Great once succinctly put it regarding the army: in it, every officer is like the soul in a human body. It is military commanders and leaders who serve as an example of military honor and valor for their subordinates. Therefore, we will continue to consistently raise the authority and social status of the officer corps as the foundation of the armed forces, both today and in the future.
Dear comrades, responsible tasks also face those officers who are to join the ranks of the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rosgvardia, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Investigative Committee, the Military Prosecutor's Office, and the Federal Penitentiary Service. We see serious progress in many areas of these structures' work. It is necessary to continue consolidating and developing all positive trends, decisively combating terrorism, corruption, and crime, ensuring legality, constitutional and public order, and protecting the rights and interests of our country's citizens. Of course, it is important to continue assisting our soldiers in conducting the special military operation and to help strengthen security in Russia's liberated historic regions. I am confident that each of you will do everything necessary to protect and foster the prosperity of our native country, be a strong pillar for the state and society, and prove a worthy heir to the great martial deeds of our fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers. I want to thank your commanders, teachers, and mentors—everyone who generously shared their knowledge and experience with you and guided you to such high results. And, of course, my warmest and kindest words to your families and loved ones. Once again, I congratulate you and all graduates of military universities and academies on completing your studies. I wish you success.
Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief, comrade officers, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense and personally, I congratulate the graduates of military universities on the successful completion of their studies. The acquired knowledge forms the foundation for your further service. However, the true mastery of an officer manifests itself in daily service, which demands the strict fulfillment of duty and utmost concentration. The modern era presents us with fundamentally new challenges. The configuration of threats is dynamic, and the means to counter them require a deep understanding of the latest technological processes. Today, the armed forces are actively introducing elements of artificial intelligence, robotic complexes, and integrated command and control systems. Your task is not only to masterfully deploy such equipment, but also to refine the tactics of its combat application. It must be remembered that behind every algorithm and every machine stands a person. That is why the ability to manage people effectively is one of the fundamental skills. You must become commanders capable of organizing cohesive teamwork, ensuring strict order, and taking responsibility for the end result.
Many of you already possess unique combat experience gained during the special military operation. It is necessary to assimilate this experience and integrate it into modern tactics, enhancing the combat effectiveness of your units. This will allow us to consolidate the successes achieved. Comrade graduates, the understanding that the officer's rank is not a privilege, but above all a sacred duty to the fatherland, must become your most indisputable truth. The security of our citizens and the security of our fatherland depend on your competence, courage, and determination. I wish you success in your service, fortitude of spirit, and well-being to your families and loved ones.
