MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Russian volunteers for helping the servicemen participating in the special operation and their families.

"I am now addressing first of all the Russian audience, I would like to thank you in particular for what you are doing to help our fighters who are on the front line of the fight for our country, for Russia," the head of state said at the 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony.

The title went to Natalya Amineva and her family. Putin awarded the woman and her children, husband and parents on the sidelines of the International RUSSIA EXPO at Moscow’s Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy. The family helps Russian servicemen: they make camouflage nets and trench candles, and knit socks.