President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon.
I met with many of you earlier today. Once again, I extend my warmest greetings to you on this wonderful holiday – Navy Day. I have already spoken about how important and popular Navy Day is in Russia, among our citizens, and how respected naval personnel are, meaning both sailors in general and military sailors in particular. The sea is inherently associated with risk, and military sailors have to face double or triple that risk.
A distinct culture has developed within the naval circles, one that has been evolving for centuries, since the time of Peter the Great. This is because service in the Navy calls for a very particular set of skills and knowledge. Clearly, modern living conditions inevitably shape everyday life and behaviour – that much is obvious. Nevertheless, everyone in Russia understands that sailors are, after all, a special family, a special caste in the best sense of the word.
So from the bottom of my heart, I once again offer my greetings to you on Navy Day. I wish you and your loved ones all the very best – and, of course, your comrades in arms. Let me also honour those now at their combat posts. My warmest wishes go to them as well.
After the awards ceremony, I began touching on certain issues with some of my comrades. If there is anything you would like to share with me, to ask me, to request of me, or to say to me, I would be delighted. Please, feel free to ask any questions.
I understand that everyone here is a military man and used to standing, but we are having a family conversation, so let’s sit down.
Please.
To be continued.