Meeting of the Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee

The issues on the agenda included preparations for celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, perpetuating the memory of those who died defending the Fatherland, conferring the honorary title of City of Labour Valour, reviewing the progress of state programmes to support combat veterans, and preserving the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

Today's meeting of the Russian Pobeda (Victory) Organising Committee marks the beginning of a very important, seminal year for our country. In May, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, which holds immense significance for Russia's destiny and for the character and values of our people.

The year 2025 has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, reflecting our enduring memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War and our monumental triumph over Nazism, as well as symbolising the unbreakable continuity between generations.

Defending and serving the Fatherland has always been and remains a sacred cause for us. Our society is bonded by the feelings of love and responsibility for our country. Each Russian citizen contributes to the preservation of our country, ensuring its reliable and stable development in the near and more distant historical perspective through their work and achievements in science, culture, education, the economy and industry.

The veterans of the Great Patriotic War are undeniably an example for all of us. They will be the main participants in the upcoming celebrations. They and their concerns will receive the closest and most cordial attention.

I would like the governors, mayors and local government officials to personally meet with our veterans without delay, to ask them about their concerns and problems, and to ensure that they are resolved.

I also believe it necessary to support the Defence Ministry's initiative on awarding the title of Honorary Citizen of the region, city or municipality to all our combat veterans. I know that many of them already hold this title, but I would like to reiterate that every veteran who fought on the frontline with arms in hand deserves to hold it.

To be continued.