​Dear countrymen! Comrades! Soldiers! I congratulate you on the Defender of the Fatherland Day!

In the days of fierce battles with the Kiev criminal regime, the date of February 23 has a special meaning for us. The best sons of Donbass in the Russian army are fighting for their native land, for the future of our Big Country, for our right to life.

We have been through and done a lot. We have achieved the main thing - we returned to our homeland. The Donetsk People's Republic became part of Russia thanks to the efforts of each of you. You have shown and continue to show all the strength of the Russian character, honor and courage, daily heroism.

In heavy battles, you have shed blood more than once, lost comrades, but you survived and go forward. You are our pride. We will definitely win, there is no doubt.

Congratulations to our soldiers, officers, veterans of military operations. Everyone who brings victory closer. I wish you strength and health! May there always be those who cover your backs and lend a brotherly shoulder. Happiness and prosperity to your families and loved ones. Speedy victorious peace!

@pushilindenis