Russian President Vladimir Putin met with widows of Russian servicemen who died in Ukraine to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day, a public holiday in Russia that honours those serving in the armed forces and military veterans.

Earlier during the day Putin also attended wreath-laying ceremony near the Kremlin and awarded servicemen.

The events marking Defender of the Fatherland Day came a day before the four-year anniversary of the start of Russia's ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN MEETING WIDOWS OF RUSSIAN SERVICEMEN KILLED IN UKRAINE / PUTIN SPEAKING TO WIDOWS

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (FEBRUARY 23, 2026) (RUSSIAN POOL - Access all)

1. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN SHAKING HANDS WITH WIDOWS OF RUSSIAN SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN UKRAINE, PUTIN AND WIDOWS SITTING DOWN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"I wanted to meet you, and I wanted to do so specifically on February 23, Defender of the Fatherland Day, because as family members of our servicemen and officers, you will always have a direct connection to this day. Sadly, your own defenders, the defenders of your families, are no longer with you. But the Fatherland, for which they gave their lives, for which they died, will always stand by you."