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Putin congratulates Airborne Troops on the force's day

Russia marks Day of Airborne Troops on August 2

MOSCOW, August 2 (Itar-Tass) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated personnel and veterans of Russia's Airborne Troops on their day, the Kremlin press service said.

"Paratroopers are rightfully considered as the Russian Armed Forces' elite. They are always in the forefront. We are proud of feats of soldiers and officers who courageously carried out set tasks and in the most difficult situations showed the highest level of skills, fortitude and bravery," the president said in the congratulation.

Russia marks Day of Airborne Troops on August 2.

Leaders of the country, the armed forces and all people of Russia may be sure of the Airborne Troops' combat readiness and ability to carry out any tasks, the troops' Commander Vladimir Shamanov said.

"In the anxious time, we firmly assure the leadership of the country and the Armed Forces that the airborne troops are in combat readiness and will carry out any task set by the supreme commander. Our people may be sure.

"We are re-armed and equipped. We will make every effort to remain our armed forces' elite," the general added.

Paratroopers who participated in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) participated in celebration events on Saturday, he said. "They are our troops' pride."

The commander also congratulated veterans of local conflicts who, as well as WWII veterans, developed the airborne troops' traditions and said he would like to address warm words to soldiers and officers who were performing currently set tasks.