Participants in the special military operation directly defend the Fatherland, Russia Day is their day, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.

MOSCOW: Participants in the special military operation directly defend the Fatherland, Russia Day is their day, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. The head of state met with SVO participants in the Kremlin on Russia Day.

"You are precisely those people, like our other service members, participants in the special military operation... You are directly involved in defending the Motherland, defending the Fatherland, defending Russia. This is your day," Putin said at the meeting.

Putin told the SVO participants that Russia Day is their day.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin, meeting with participants in the special military operation, declared that Russia Day is their day.

The head of state emphasized that he decided to meet separately with Russian soldiers on June 12 because they are directly involved in defending the Motherland and Fatherland.

"You are the very people who, like our other service members, are directly involved in defending the Motherland... This is your day – Russia Day," Putin said.

The president also noted that each participant in the special military operation is making their contribution to the common cause and fulfilling their assigned tasks with dignity.

Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a Russian "Starlink" and offered advice to Russia's enemies: the president met with stormtroopers.

Vladimir Putin announced the creation of a Russian "Starlink" – it's called "Rassvet."

At a table set with nuts and dried fruit, and without the usual speech papers, Vladimir Putin met with stormtroopers – those who lead the attack – on June 12, 2026, Russia Day – for a heart-to-heart talk.

"I wanted to meet with you today, on Russia Day. After all, you are the very people who, like our other service members – participants in the special military operation – are directly involved in defending the Motherland, defending the Fatherland, defending Russia. This is your day, Russia Day!" Putin began warmly.

The president added that he was ready to listen to any suggestions, any criticism. Russia would do everything the "stormtroopers" needed. He was also ready to answer any questions.

OTHER QUESTIONS
1. The enemy has switched to drones operating at frequencies of 8-12 megahertz; many Russian electronic warfare systems simply cannot detect them. But local engineers have systems that can stop them. Can they be deployed to the military?

Putin responded that work with local artisans is ongoing, and many technologies have been adopted and purchased. But the enemy could change the signal frequency again, so the current task is to create electronic warfare systems that cover all frequencies.

2. Lieutenant Sergei Chuvashov conveyed congratulations to the president from all the paratroopers. He also asked how the state will support those boys who were taken out of action after being seriously wounded.

"You know, I remember one of my first meetings with the mothers of our fallen soldiers. They shared the problems their families are facing. Some said their sons, who had returned, were in serious condition." Even back then, tasks were assigned to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Defense, and the state fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" was created, Putin recalled.

The President continued: military service positions are being created for young people with such problems – in military recruitment offices and army headquarters. Rehabilitation is being provided, and the "Time of Heroes" program is being implemented for those who want to contribute to the country's future. Defenders of the Fatherland are being fitted with prosthetics, given the opportunity to receive a new education, and are finding employment. Psychologists work with their families. All this is being done to help them return to normal life.

3. The President was asked about drone attacks on the rear. Putin responded decisively:

"We see that the enemy is expanding its use of fixed-wing UAVs primarily to achieve one goal: to sow discord in Russian society, sow confusion, and cause economic damage. It won't work."

The President declared that Russia has a response. He listed the work plan item by item:

"Strengthening the air defense system to operate at different altitudes. The work is ongoing."

The attacks are damaging the economy, but the enemy will not achieve its goal of destroying the economy.

Third, Russia is already delivering devastating counterattacks, and the power of the counterattack will increase.