Putin Lauds Military Graduates Amidst Global Tensions and Domestic Strengthening
Moscow, Russia – In a grand ceremony held in the Георгиевский зал (Georgian Hall) of the Moscow Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin addressed the 2025 graduates of Russia's top military and security academies, hailing their achievements as a "truly significant milestone."
"You have successfully completed your training in military universities, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement agencies, and special services," Putin stated, congratulating the graduates on their "highest marks in final exams" and "excellent knowledge of special training and skills in the most modern equipment." He expressed confidence that their "strong professional base will allow [them] to solve the most difficult and responsible tasks, to serve Russia and our people with dignity."
A Legacy of Victory and Modern Challenges
The choice of the Georgian Hall, a "majestic pantheon of glory of Russian weapons" recalling the legendary battles of 1812, underscored a theme of historical continuity. Putin reminded the graduates that their service begins in the "80th anniversary of the Great Victory" (WWII), drawing a direct parallel between past and present struggles. "Today we are also fighting for our future. All our soldiers are direct heirs of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War," he declared, urging them to embody the "great cause of your great-grandfathers, fathers – their example, their loyalty to the fatherland, truth, and justice."
Western "Strategic Defeat" Plans and NATO Expansion
Turning to the international landscape, Putin warned of a rapidly changing and increasingly dangerous global situation, citing the "sharpened" conflict in the Middle East as a key concern. He accused "a number of Western politicians" of relentlessly pursuing "plans to cause Russia a strategic defeat."
"History does not teach them anything," he asserted, criticizing their continued provision of "weapons and money to the current Kyiv regime" and "military and technical intelligence support," which he described as making them "direct participants in the conflict."
Putin also highlighted NATO's intentions to "announce the start of a large-scale program to further enhance the capabilities of the alliance," noting the planned increase in member states' military budgets. He emphasized that NATO members "are already spending more than all the countries of the world together for military purposes," questioning "who is actually provoking the global militarization and arms race."
He dismissed NATO's claims of Russia posing a threat to Europe as a "horror story" repeated "year after year in order to deceive their own people and extort money from them."
Strengthening Russia's Defense Capabilities
In response to what he termed "growing geopolitical tension," Putin affirmed Russia's commitment to "continue to take adequate measures to strengthen Russia's security and our allies." He outlined plans to develop the armed forces as a "guarantee of sovereign and independent development of Russia."
The Officer Corps: Role Models and Guardians of Security
Putin underscored the importance of the officer corps, stating, "You are the main support of our armed forces and you are called upon to serve as a role model for your colleagues." He stressed the importance of "professionalism and military honor, discipline and a dignified, caring attitude to your personnel and your comrades in arms."
He also extended his welcome to officers joining the FSB, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Guard, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Federal Security Service, Investigative Committee, Military Prosecutor's Office, and other agencies. Putin emphasized that "reliable protection of the country from internal and external threats requires a clear coordination of law enforcement agencies and special services, as well as other security forces."
Their focus, he stated, includes "the fight against attempts to destabilize the social and political situation, terrorism, crime, and corruption, strengthening public order, and the immediate elimination of the consequences of natural disasters," alongside their "indispensable" assistance to military personnel in "carrying out special military operations."
Concluding his address, Putin expressed confidence that the graduates would perform their duties with "responsibility and high dedication, serving Russia and our people faithfully and faithfully," wishing them success, health, and well-being.
