Vladimir Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall

“The head of state honored the memory of the fallen soldiers with a minute of silence.

At the end of the ceremony, a guard of honor and an orchestra marched in front of the memorial," the Kremlin said.

In congratulations on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin said that ensuring the defense capability of Russia remains the most important state task.

As Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted, the Russian Armed Forces effectively ensure the country's security.