Dear men! Dear veterans, staff members, students and Ph.D. candidates of Astrakhan State University!

February 23 is a special day, when all the country honours the defenders of the Fatherland.

This holiday symbolizes the glory of the Russian arms, the bravery of soldiers who protect the freedom and independence of our Motherland.

On this festive day, let me congratulate everyone who serves the Fatherland, who has served in the army or who is just preparing for this honourable service.

This day, we recall with pride the military feats of our ancestors. We honour those who have protected the Fatherland with arms, and we commit to follow their example of courage and firmness. On Defender of the Fatherland Day, I wish you always to remain real men: to fulfil the commitments you’ve made, to take care of relatives, to support your family, to stay honest, fair-minded and self-confident. The true merit of a man is in protecting those who are weaker, to serve the good and justice.

Today, I wish you power and inspiration in scaling new heights, success in everyday life, serious professional tasks which you will solve honourably and which will help you become better. I wish you peace and goodness, happiness to your family, health and luck in everything you do!