President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

I extend my congratulations to the servicemen, civilian staff, and veterans of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia on your professional holiday - Border Guards Day.

Throughout the history of our Fatherland, the defenders of the Motherland's borders have safeguarded state interests, serving the Motherland and our people with unwavering loyalty and dedication.

Warriors stationed at forward outposts and cordons have, since time immemorial, been the first to repel the enemy, fighting valiantly for their native land and sparing no sacrifice.

Forever enshrined in our grateful memory is the courage and fortitude of the border guards who, 85 years ago, in June 1941, engaged in combat with the Nazis, impeding the enemy's advance through their selflessness, and in those very first hours, days, and weeks of fighting made a vital contribution to thwarting the plans of the German command.

In the post-war period, the green caps honourably endured and withstood numerous trials: they neutralised Nazi collaborators and the nationalist underground, firmly repelled attempts to illegally cross the state border, displayed exemplary military valour while fulfilling their international duty in Afghanistan, and distinguished themselves by carrying out critical missions in the fight against international terrorism.

Today, in the course of the special military operation, you are proving your professionalism in practice, acting fearlessly and decisively in the most demanding and complex situations.

We bow our heads in memory of our comrades-in-arms who fell heroically, never abandoning their posts, remaining true to their military duty and the Fatherland to the very end.

Comrades,

Today, the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia stands as a reliable component in safeguarding our country and its citizens. We will continue to do everything necessary to develop the border infrastructure and to comprehensively and qualitatively strengthen the personnel capacity and equipment of our units.

On this holiday, I express my gratitude to the veterans and serving personnel of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia for your devotion to the Motherland and for your valiant military service.

I am confident that you will continue to conscientiously fulfil the tasks set before you, making a substantial contribution to safeguarding the Fatherland against terrorism, transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration, and achieving tangible results in combating smuggling and the illegal harvesting of marine biological resources.

Once again, I congratulate you on Border Guards Day and wish you continued success in your service. Please accept my warmest wishes for your families and loved ones.