In a congratulatory video message ahead of the 27th of February Special Operations Forces Day in Russia, marking the seizure of Crimean government buildings a decade ago, President Vladimir Putin pledged to increase the mobility and strike capabilities of the country’s special forces, saying it was a top priority to strengthen the country’s army, reports Reuters.
“We will continue to strengthen the Special Operations Forces, increase their mobility and strike capacity, and arm them with a new generation of weapons and equipment,” Putin said.
In a video message released on the Kremlin’s Telegram account, President Putin expressed his special gratitude to the soldiers who took part in Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. Putin praised their selflessness, commended them for the faithful performance of their tasks, and highlighted their courageous, competent and decisive actions during the attacks.
Since the 27th of February 2015, Russia has been celebrating Special Operations Forces Day, which President Vladimir Putin declared a public holiday to mark the first anniversary of the seizure of government buildings in Crimea by Russian forces, followed by the annexation of the peninsula, according to Reuters.
Russia’s Special Operations Forces, an integral part of the Russian Armed Forces, are strategically deployed and permanently combat-ready units tailored to specific missions. Over the past decade, these special forces have played a key role in Russia’s covert operations in Syria.
Since 2022, they have been actively involved in Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, which Putin describes as a “special military operation”.
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Putin pledges to boost Russian special forces’ strike capabilities
