10th anniversary of the National Guard

During the event, Vladimir Putin also presented a personal standard to Viktor Zolotov, Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation - Commander of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Today, we celebrate National Guard Day. I would like to extend my greetings to you and your colleagues, and to everyone who considers this day their professional holiday. This includes service and civilian personnel of the Russian National Guard, as well as distinguished veterans who served in the Troops of the Ministry of the Interior of the Soviet Union and Russia, in special units such as OMON and SOBR, in licensing and authorisation bodies, and in private security organisations.

Ten years ago, these and several other structures were brought together to form a new, independent, and powerful federal service. They provided it with a strong core team, while preserving their accumulated experience and traditions, and enabling the Russian National Guard to develop quickly and effectively in its formative years.

Over these years, the Russian National Guard has consistently strengthened its professional, operational, and combat capabilities, becoming a reliable and indispensable element of the national security system: protecting citizens, society, and the country as a whole.

I would like to particularly note the National Guard's significant contribution to combating terrorism, extremism, and crime in all its forms, including its most dangerous manifestations: organised crime and drug trafficking.

Every day, National Guard personnel patrol public spaces and help maintain order during major events, including sporting and cultural occasions, as well as large international forums.

Your responsibilities also include oversight of civilian weapons circulation, ensuring proper registration, control, and regular inspection.

You safeguard critical infrastructure, protect special cargo along key transport routes, and ensure uninterrupted functioning of facilities essential to governance, economic development, and a stable supply of energy to businesses, cities, and towns across our vast country.

As you know, today, additional efforts are required. Together with the Armed Forces, your colleagues from other relevant agencies, and regional and municipal authorities, you must swiftly and effectively respond to emerging threats. There are many such challenges, and you are well aware of them.

It is essential to do everything possible to minimise the impact of any criminal, sabotage, or hostile actions against Russia, and above all, to protect the lives and health of our citizens.

I am asking that you give this your utmost attention. Please also convey words of support and my special gratitude to the servicemen and commanders - I can see that some of them are present here today - who have taken part in the special military operation, for their faithful service to the Fatherland.

Our comrades are fighting for Russia: at this very moment, they are in position holding the line, confidently carrying out the difficult combat work. This is a righteous battle for our children and grandchildren to live peacefully, freely, and safely on their land. This is a fight for our people's sacred historical right to speak their native language, honour their ancestors who are true heroes, and keep the traditions and faith of their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers.

I know that tens of thousands of National Guard personnel have been recognised for their participation in combat operations, for their heroism and personal courage. In total, over 380,000 of your comrades have received state and departmental awards over the past decade.

This speaks volumes about the personnel of the National Guard, about the strength, reliability, and dedication of those who choose this difficult, dangerous, yet noble path of service, so vital for the country and its people.

Dear comrades, comrade officers,

Today, on your professional holiday, Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and Commander of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation Viktor Zolotov is being presented with a personal standard.

This is a particularly high honour. It symbolises the highest level of personal responsibility borne by a commander and military leader toward subordinates and toward the nation as a whole.

The personal standard, like the banner, flag, and emblem of the National Guard, will become another symbol of continuity and tradition within Russia's law enforcement forces. Their history, like that of many other state institutions, spans centuries. The Internal Guard battalions - this is what the precursors of today's National Guard were called - were formed on the eve of the Patriotic War of 1812. Soon afterwards, in 1816 - 210 years ago - they were joined into the Separate Internal Guard Corps as a centralised structure.

Of course, this Internal Guard and later local forces - or internal troops, as they were called - were primarily tasked with maintaining law and order in peacetime. However, during periods of external threat they stood alongside the Army and Navy in defence of the Fatherland, making a significant contribution to defeating the enemy. This was the case both in 1812 and during the Great Patriotic War.

Today, the National Guard also stands at the forefront of ensuring national security, relying on broad public support and unity. I am confident it will uphold and build upon the legacy of generations of brave defenders of our great, thousand-year-old Russia.

Happy holiday, dear friends. I wish you and your families all the very best.

Thank you.

(Ceremony of presenting the personal standard to the Director of the National Guard.)

Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and Commander of the National Guard Troops Viktor Zolotov Zolotov ViktorDirector of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation - Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation : Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Colleagues, veterans and guests,

Today, I feel particular pride accepting this personal standard: a symbol of loyalty to official and military duty, as well as of my personal responsibility for leading the National Guard troops. This represents both a great trust and a profound honour.

The Russian National Guard is a federal executive body entrusted with protecting law and order, the state and society, and the rights and freedoms of our people. I would like to assure you that the National Guard troops stand firm in safeguarding the state and serving the people.

Thank you.