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Military operation in Ukraine

Putin toasts hero soldiers, pledges to defend country at all costs

One of the honorees conveyed the gratitude of his fellow combatants to the president for giving them the opportunity to show their mettle

MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks that serving the Motherland is a worthy cause, pledging to defend the country’s interests at all costs.

"The Motherland gave a chance to all of us and rewarded us with the opportunity to work for the sake of our country. This is a gift for each of us from our Motherland," the head of state told the servicemen who were honored with Hero of the Russian Federation gold stars. "All of us, including myself, we will all go until the end, defending the interests of our country," Putin vowed.

One of the honorees conveyed the gratitude of his fellow combatants to the president for giving them the opportunity to show their mettle. "And we will stand strong through thick and thin," the Hero of Russia assured.

The president said how important it was for him to hear these words "from those people who are right now, there, on the frontline (in the zone of the special military operation - TASS) risking their lives and well-being, unafraid of anything, moving forward and leading others." "And this means a lot," Putin added.

The president toasted his champagne glass to nine servicemen who earlier today had received Hero stars for their valor in the special military operation.

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Vladimir Putin Military operation in Ukraine

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