Russia's Defense Minister Calls Army 'Most Combat-Capable' in New Year's Message
The message, carried by RIA Novosti, asserted the forces can ensure national sovereignty.
Overview
- Defense Minister Andrei Belousov delivered a New Year's greeting on December 30 declaring the Russian army the most combat-capable in the world.
- He said the armed forces prove in practice that they can ensure the country's sovereignty and defend national interests.
- The remarks were addressed to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation as part of the holiday message.
- State agency RIA Novosti published the statements in two reports on Tuesday, timestamped 15:42 and 15:51 UTC.
- The coverage was tagged to the Special Military Operation in Ukraine, placing the assertions in the context of the ongoing conflict.