MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. Nearly 6,000 servicemen of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces were on permanent duty on New Year's Eve and the first hours of January 1, the Russian Defense Ministry has said.

"The Strategic Missile Force personnel are on permanent combat duty, ready to instantly fulfill their tasks even on holidays. On New Year's Eve, about 6,000 men were on duty. Traditionally, the beginning of each shift in missile units began with a special ritual and the playing of the Russian anthem," the Defense Ministry said.

Several hours before midnight the military personnel on duty at combat posts were personally congratulated by their commanders via video link.