"Our Weapons Capabilities Will Increase Dramatically": Putin and Shoigu Address the New Graduates
A number of Russian weapons systems are years, if not decades ahead of similar foreign products, said Vladimir Putin today in the Kremlin at a reception in honor of the top graduates of military academies. As many as 800 young officers were invited to the event. It was important for them to hear that the state was developing a social protection system for servicemen, including higher cash allowances and more housing.
Alexey Petrov is reporting.
Tomorrow, many of them will head to their new workplaces. But today, it's a reception at the Kremlin. They have years of studies in top military universities and academies behind them. Military service will scatter them throughout the country. But no one is afraid of hardships. The Supreme Commander-in-Chief is greeted by the Defense Minister. Symbols of past glories speak to the continuity of generations.
The Russian Army demonstrated its current potential in Syria. Having completed their missions, combat units return to the Motherland.
Vladimir Putin: "As you know, we started the withdrawal of our troops during my visit to Khmeimim. The withdrawal continues. 13 aircraft, 14 helicopters, and 1,140 servicemen were withdrawn over the past few days. All of these people were tested in combat. You and your comrades-in-arms will have to make full use of this experience".
The famous Nakhimov School in Sevastopol relies on experience and traditions.
Lieutenant Sapronenko is one of the best.
— Congratulations.
— I'm honored to serve Russia!”
Graduates kneel, saying goodbye to the school banner. Naval traditions remain unchanged, unlike technology.
Savely Sapronenko, Nakhimov School graduate: "Everything is totally different on the new ships. Missile launch and control strategies have changed. We learn them, we're ready for them".
Six years ago the share of modern weapons and equipment in the army and navy was below 16% compared to almost 60% today, as Putin noted. And it'll be 70% by 2021.
Vladimir Putin: "A number of domestic weapons systems are years, if not decades ahead of similar foreign products. For instance, an experiment to deploy the latest Kinzhal air-launched missiles in the Southern Federal District is underway. The Avangard intercontinental missile systems will be delivered to the army in the near future, followed by the Sarmat ICBMs within a year. This is only one part of the modern weapons that will improve Russia’s military capabilities severalfold".
Many Mozhaysky's Military-Space Academy graduates didn't have to choose a profession at all.
Kirill Vasilyev, Mozhaysky's Academy graduate: "My father is a serviceman. I was inspired by his service to follow in his footsteps".
Some are to join the law enforcement body of Rosgvardia, and studies provided no excuses.
Anton Murzagaliyev, Saratov Military Institute of the National Guard: "There were a lot of sessions, subjects, and necessary information".
The state counts on everyone, Putin notes. In exchange, officers will be provided with social protection.
Vladimir Putin: "The amount of cash allowances has been indexed since January 1st. This practice will, of course, continue. Service members will be provided with permanent housing. This year alone, over 4,000 families of employees of the Defense Ministry were moved into new homes, and almost 14,500 were provided with service housing".
The Defense Minister delivered his commencement address too.
Sergey Shoigu, the Defense Minister: "I am confident that you, as heirs of our military glory, will properly wear the honorable title of Defenders of the Fatherland and will always abide by the officer’s code of honor. One of its commandments says, “Give your soul to God, your heart to a woman, your duty to the Fatherland, and your honor to no one".
With a glass of champagne, Vladimir Putin goes to the graduates. Congratulations on graduation! I wish you all the best.
"To the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces! Three cheers for the great and powerful Russia!"
In total, as many as 12,500 students and cadets graduated from 33 military academies this year. One-fifth of them graduated with honors.
Alexey Petrov, Pyotr Rovnov, Sergey Rubanov, Gennady Korneev, and Yulya Chshedrova for Vesti.