OREANDA-NEWS   Russia admires the courage of people defending their homeland, President Vladimir Putin said at the state awards ceremony in the Kremlin.

"We are proud of each of you, we admire the steadfastness and bravery of people who, at a difficult moment for the Motherland, stood up to defend it and perform their military duty in the combat zone," he said. The President added that the participants of the special operation also help to establish peaceful life in new regions of Russia.The President recalled that Moscow has repeatedly faced various challenges and defended its independence.

"Today Russia is again challenged by the same challenge. And at the forefront of a special military operation, soldiers, officers, militia and volunteers show exceptional examples of bravery and self—sacrifice," he stressed. A special military operation has been taking place in Ukraine since February 24. Vladimir Putin called its ultimate task the liberation of Donbass and the creation of conditions that guarantee the security of Russia.