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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade officers,

It is a pleasure to welcome you at this gala ceremony in the Kremlin.

Today the Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces will receive the principal military trophy – the banner, which symbolise the inseparable link between generations of Russia’s defenders, their loyalty to their cause and the laws of military honour, fraternity and service to the Fatherland and its people.

The Aerospace Forces were formed less than a year ago to unite military aviation, air defence troops and aerospace forces, including the legendary units that have attained immortality in major battles of the 20^th century.

It is an honour and a great responsibility to serve in these forces. Today’s generation carries on the military traditions of their predecessors. This is exactly how you acted during the military operation in Syria – like true Russian soldiers. We will talk about this a little later today.

It was the strategic and semi-strategic aviation that performed the most complicated and dangerous missions, and did it excellently.

The Aerospace Forces are one of the most powerful and mobile branches of the Armed Forces. They are equipped with the latest armaments, equipment, and modern control and communication systems. I expect you to act just as efficiently and consistently, reliably protecting the security of Russia and its people.

One of your priority tasks is to master the new generation of equipment. You have to teach personnel to use it properly, which means to be true professionals.

I am certain that you understand this and will make every effort to achieve your goals.

I would like to congratulate the Aerospace Forces’ leadership and military personnel on the banner’s presentation. I have no doubt that this would be an important event in your service and will help you achieve greater results.

I wish you success and good health.

Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Viktor Bondarev: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation Armed Forces,

On behalf of the Aerospace Forces, I would like to express our gratitude for the great honour of being presented with the banner in the Kremlin’s St Alexander Hall.

This event will take a special place in the history of the Aerospace Forces. As the official symbol and military trophy, the banner will help preserve and develop the best traditions of the Aerospace Forces and will inspire its personnel to new military achievements in the name of our great Russia.

As I accept this banner, I would like to assure you that the Aerospace Forces would always duly perform the tasks you set them, while the personnel will remain loyal to their military cause and traditions of the older generations.

Serving the Russian Federation!