MOSCOW, March 27. /TASS/. Russia is proud of its National Guard servicemen, who courageously perform their duties in the course of the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his video message dedicated to the Russian National Guard Troops Day.

"I congratulate you on your professional holiday, the Day of Russian National Guard Troops," Putin stated. "Established six years ago, the National Guard has become an inseparable and reliable link in the comprehensive state system of ensuring the rule of law and law enforcement, and protecting the rights and interests of our citizens."

"I want to specially address the service personnel and staff of the National Guard units involved in the special military operation in Donbass and Ukraine," the president said. "Comrades, indeed, combat conditions involve increased risk."

"I am well aware of how you act in this situation: highly courageously and professionally, skilfully and fearlessly, you resolve the most complicated tasks set before you competently and precisely while showing personal heroism."

"Our entire vast country is rightly proud of each of you. I want to thank you for your stamina and your impeccable service to Russia, for your loyalty to our Fatherland, to your oath of allegiance and your duty," he said.

"I wish you and your families good health, success and good luck," Putin added.

Russian National Guard

The Russian National Guard is the government’s internal military force, comprising an independent agency that reports directly to the President of the Russian Federation.

The National Guard was established on the basis of the Interior Ministry Troops in April 2016 by a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. The National Guard units are responsible for securing the country’s borders, enforcing gun control, combatting terrorism and organized crime, upholding public order, in addition to guarding key state facilities.

Special military operation in Ukraine

President Putin announced on February 24 that in response to a request by the heads of the Donbass republics he had made a decision to carry out a special military operation in Ukraine in order to protect people "who have been suffering from abuse and genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years."

The Russian leader stressed that Moscow had no plans of occupying Ukrainian territories and the operation was aimed at demilitarizing and denazifying Ukraine.

When clarifying the developments unfolding, the Russian Defense Ministry reassured that Russian troops are not targeting Ukrainian cities, but are limited to surgically striking and incapacitating Ukrainian military infrastructure. There are no threats whatsoever to the civilian population.