President Vladimir Putin has welcomed Russian women since March 8, paying tribute to them after he assured them last year that he would not send their husbands and sons to war.

“A high, respectful attitude towards women, towards motherhood, is an unconditional value for us that is passed down from generation to generation,” he said in a video message recorded with a statue of Empress Catherine II behind him.

As reported by TASS, Putin emphasized that in Russia International Women’s Day “is always filled with warmth and special meaning, the best, brightest, most sincere feelings.”

The head of the Kremlin also noted that on this day, Russians throughout the country talk about their love for their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, daughters and girlfriends, about their admiration for them and the desire to please them with what they are grateful for. because in everyday life “sometimes there is not enough time”.

“Dear women, on this day of the coming spring, I want to wish you love, mutual understanding with those who are dear to you, and that the warmth that you share so generously returns to you a hundredfold, warms you and your hearts,” the head also said of the Russian state.

Putin especially thanked “servicewomen who chose the highest mission – defense of the Motherland” and those who work in hospitals and risk their lives to evacuate soldiers from the front lines.

Part of the video recording was translated and distributed on social networks:

What Putin told the women of Russia on March 8, 2022

In his International Women’s Day address last year, just two weeks after the start of the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin leader solemnly promised the women of Russia that he would not mobilize additional reservists or send their husbands and sons to war.

“I want to address the mothers, wives, sisters, brides and girlfriends of soldiers and officers who are currently fighting and defending Russia in special operations: I understand that you are worried about your loved ones. You can be proud of them, as the whole country cares for them together with you,” Vladimir Putin said at the time.

“I emphasize that servicemen who are undergoing military service do not participate and will not participate [la război]. Also, there will be no additional mobilization of reservists,” the Russian president assured.

“Only professional soldiers face challenges. I am sure that they will ensure the security and peace of the people of Russia,” the head of the Kremlin emphasized on March 8, 2022.

Although he did not order mobilization on May 9, when Russia celebrated World War II Victory Day, as some analysts had expected, Russian authorities began an “invisible mobilization” just a month later in the context of the massive casualties suffered by the armed forces. in Ukraine and the reluctance of Russians to volunteer for a “special forces operation”.

Finally, on September 21, the Russian president announced that he had ordered a partial mobilization in Russia, citing the fact that the country was facing a “collective West” in Ukraine and had more than 1,000 kilometers of frontline to defend. .

He also accused the West of wanting to “destroy” Russia.

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