"Together We Will Prevail": All-Russian forum in support of veterans of the special military operation and their families opened at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The "Together We Will Prevail" forum opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 10 December. The two-day forum brings together more than 1,000 participants from across the country. Among them are veterans of the special military operation, participants of the "Time of Heroes" personnel programme and other regional programmes for defenders, veterans of other conflicts and family members of participants in the special military operation. It is a key platform for dialogue, the exchange of experience and the development of joint solutions to support the integration of veterans into peaceful life and to assist their families.

A welcome address from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, was read out by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Tatyana Golikova.

"Supporting the defenders of the Fatherland is our unconditional moral duty and a task that requires the joint efforts of the state and society. It is therefore encouraging that today's meeting at the National Centre RUSSIA has brought together participants and veterans of the special military operation, their relatives and loved ones, as well as representatives of public authorities, non-profit organisations, business and expert communities and the media from many regions of the country," the message from the President reads. 

In his address, the Head of State emphasised the need to consistently strengthen the system of social guarantees for frontline soldiers and their families, to enrich it with new substantive initiatives, and to take into account and find fair solutions for every specific life situation.

"Of course, we will continue to expand opportunities so that our heroes can continue to serve the Motherland with dignity, so that their talents and abilities are fully in demand in state and municipal service, in the upbringing of the younger generation and in various sectors of the economy and entrepreneurship," added Vladimir Putin.

Tatyana Golikova also addressed the participants. She recalled that the day before, the country had marked Heroes of the Fatherland Day, and that Vladimir Putin had presented state awards to veterans of the special military operation in the Kremlin.

"The Government of Russia and regional authorities are doing everything possible to make the return of participants in the special military operation to peaceful life as comfortable as possible. This is a new life for you. We understand this very well, and therefore all public authorities and the 'Defenders of the Fatherland' Foundation are doing everything possible to take into account the difficulties each veteran faces. This is important for us. I am confident that at the forum you will discuss these issues and develop solutions that we will be able to implement at various levels of government <...> It is important for us that you take part in the upbringing of the younger generation. You instil in young people the skills of loyalty and service to their country. I would like to extend special thanks to all families. You are our hope and support," said Tatyana Golikova.

Statе Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Chair of the State Fund for Supporting Participants of the special military operation "Defenders of the Fatherland", Anna Tsivilyova, also delivered a welcome address.

"Through their own example, our heroes demonstrate the importance of the core values that underpin Russian society: love for the Motherland, mutual assistance and devotion to high ideals. I wish every one of our servicemen the strength to apply all their skills in peaceful life and to support those who will be returning home from the special military operation. The views of veterans, their participation and their engagement in the work of the 'Defenders of the Fatherland' Foundation, and in the work of the state as a whole, are vital to us," said Anna Tsivilyova.

She noted that the task of the people of Russia is to unite, to develop and strengthen the country, so that, like their fathers and grandfathers, they can build a great state – economically developed, comfortable and safe for future generations. Anna Tsivilyova also wished the forum participants productive work.

"For two years since the establishment of the 'Defenders of the Fatherland' Foundation, we have walked side by side, hand in hand, sharing joys and sorrows, learning from one another and learning to live together despite difficulties and challenges, overcoming them collectively. I know first-hand what the support of participants, veterans, mothers and wives of servicemen means. I know how hard it is to be left alone with your loss, your pain, your sense of isolation. Only compassionate people can truly understand how important it is, at such a moment, to be there for someone; how important it is to know that there is a place and there are people you can turn to, who will listen and understand. It is hard enough in life to bear the loss of friends, but it is even harder and more painful to accept the loss of loved ones. Nothing and no one can ease the pain that lives inside, but no one has the right to say that it was all in vain, because this is our history, and we are bound to preserve it. We are bound to preserve the memory of the heroism of the fallen and of the feats of the living. We must carry this in our hearts and pass it on to our children," said Anna Kocherova, widow of a fallen participant in the special military operation and member of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Self-Government and Northern Affairs.

The forum at the National Centre RUSSIA will feature a business programme. Representatives of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, the Government of Russia, the Federation Council and the State Duma, the Russian Orthodox Church, heads of ministries and agencies, as well as members of the expert community, will discuss issues of social adaptation and comprehensive rehabilitation of veterans of the special military operation returning to peaceful life, employment, involvement in sport, the patriotic upbringing of young people and other relevant topics.

The organisers of the forum are the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Foundation, the Russian society Znanie, the Association of Veterans of the special military operation and the Committee of Families of the Warriors of the Fatherland.