Video address on Rescue Worker’s Day

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, veterans,

I warmly extend my congratulations to you on this special occasion - Rescue Worker's Day.

The employees of the Emergencies Ministry are rightly esteemed and respected within our society. At the very first sign of distress, you rush to aid those in peril, swiftly addressing the aftermath of both natural and man-made disasters, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and overseeing the proper functioning of vital facilities. You operate with competence as a unified, well-coordinated team, even in the most extraordinary situations.

The rich history of the Emergencies Ministry is replete with instances of heroism and bravery demonstrated by rescuers, medical personnel, firefighters, psychologists, and other specialists. Russian rescuers remain a steadfast component of the nation's security system.

This year, you have displayed exceptional professionalism in managing the repercussions of widespread flooding in the Kurgan, Orenburg, and Tyumen Regions, and in combating wildfires in Eastern Siberia, the Primorye Territory, and the Volga Region.

I would like to highlight, in particular, the assistance you have rendered - and continue to render - to civilians, children, the elderly, and women in the Kursk Region.

Fiends, the scope of responsibility for the Emergencies Ministry encompasses numerous critical issues. As ever, it is imperative to focus intensely on ensuring safety within schools, universities, hospitals, and other social institutions, as well as in crowded places.

The experiences in responding to emergencies this year have underscored the crucial importance of your systematic efforts in fire prevention and your regular, meticulous inspections of major infrastructure and transport facilities. Every preventative measure you implement in a timely manner is of paramount importance.

I acknowledge that significant strides have been made in recent years to organise the operations of Emergencies Ministry units within the historic Russian regions of Donbass and Novorossiya.

Among the principal objectives, I would also highlight the further enhancement of the Ministry's technical equipment, the improvement of the civil defence system, and, naturally, the bolstering of social guarantees for Emergencies Ministry personnel and their families.

Again, I congratulate the former and current personnel of the Emergencies Ministry on your professional holiday, and, in keeping with tradition, on the forthcoming year 2025.

I wish you robust health and new achievements in your service, along with prosperity and success for your loved ones.