MOSCOW, December 19. /TASS/. The Russian Armed Forces are fighting bravely and their strength is growing, President Vladimir Putin said.

"As for our troops, they are fighting bravely, as I have been and will keep saying because there is every reason for that. The Armed Forces’ strength is growing," Putin pointed out at his combined annual press conference and question-and-answer session in response to TASS Editor-in-Chief Mikhail Petrov’s question.

The president noted that the 155th Marine Brigade of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, the 810th Marine Brigade of the Black Sea Fleet, and the 76th and 106th airborne divisions were engaged in fighting in the Kursk Region, along with motorized riflemen and mechanized infantry units from the Northern Military District. "All of them are literally fighting in a heroic way, and they are engaged in battle right now. Let’s wish strength to those fighting in the Kursk Region and along the entire frontline, as well as success, so that they return home victorious," Putin added.