Russian Embassy Commemorates Defender of the Fatherland Day in Pakistan
Russian Defence Attaché Reaffirms Sovereignty and Security Commitment
Pakistan Air Force Deputy Chief Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar Graces Ceremony
Ambassador Khorev Pays Tribute to Russia’s Military Heroes
Islamabad – 25 February, 2026 (Adnan. Hameed) : The Defence Office of the Embassy of the Russian Federation organized a ceremony in Islamabad to Commemorate the Defender of the Fatherland Day in Islamabad, where Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, graced the event as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Albert P. Khorev, Ambassador of Russian Federation to Pakistan, said that the unity of the army and the people guarantees the survival and future of Russia, emphasizing that history has consistently demonstrated this at decisive moments. A holiday he described as holding a special place in the history and hearts of the Russian people. This holiday brings generations together, reminding us of the enduring legacy of military honor and service to our country,” Ambassador Khorev said.
The envoy noted that the holiday dates back to the early 20th century, when Russia’s regular armed forces were established during a challenging period in the nation’s history. He recalled that in January 1918, the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army and Navy were formed, and on February 23 of that year, the Council of People’s Commissars issued a decree titled “The Socialist Fatherland Is in Danger!” calling on citizens to defend their homeland.
“Although eras, state names, and the structure of the armed forces have changed, the readiness of the defenders of the Fatherland to protect their country’s sovereignty and security has remained the same,” he said.
Highlighting key moments from Russian history, the ambassador referred to the 13th-century leadership of Alexander Nevsky, who repelled foreign aggression on Russia’s western borders and was later canonized for defending national interests through diplomacy and military action.
He also cited the naval victories under Peter the Great, particularly during the Great Northern War, which secured Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea and elevated its status among major world powers.
Ambassador Khorev paid tribute to renowned military commanders such as Alexander Suvorov, who never lost a battle and is remembered for his 1799 Alpine campaign, and Mikhail Kutuzov, whose leadership during the Patriotic War of 1812 contributed to the defeat of Napoleon’s forces.
He also honored Soviet military leaders of World War II, including marshals Georgy Zhukov, Konstantin Rokossovsky, and Alexander Vasilevsky, describing the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War as an unparalleled feat achieved at enormous sacrifice.
“The unity of the people and the army demonstrated the futility of any plans to invade Russia,” he said.
Turning to contemporary issues, the ambassador stated that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue their historic mission, strengthening combat capabilities and professionalism while relying on modern domestic military technology.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, he said Russia is facing opposition from what he termed the “collective West,” which he accused of attempting to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.
“Amid unprecedented global pressure and tension, our armed forces valiantly play a pivotal role in safeguarding the state, protecting civilians, and defending Russia’s right to an independent developmental path,” Khorev said. He expressed confidence that Russia would achieve the goals of what he described as the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Ambassador Albert Khorev highlighted Russia’s historic military and diplomatic achievements, from Alexander Nevsky defending the nation in the 13th century, to Peter the Great securing Baltic access in the Great Northern War, and praised commanders like Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kutuzov for their decisive victories that shaped Russia’s strength and global status.
On this Occasion, a commemorative cake adjourned with flag of Russia and Pakistan was cut by the Russian Ambassador Albert P Khorave, Defence Attaché Colonel Vadim N. Fenchenko alongwith Chief Guest Air Marshal Shakil Ghazanfar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Dean of Diplomatic Corps & Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Ambassador of Iran, Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Ambassador of Belarus, Senator Sehar Kamran and others to mark the occasion.
Russian Defence Attaché Colonel Vadim N. Fenchenko has said that Defender of the Fatherland Day is a truly nationwide holiday that embodies the centuries-old history of the Russian Army, which has consistently served as a reliable stronghold and guarantor of Russia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He further stated that the occasion symbolizes courage, fortitude, valor, and honor. He paid tribute to the Soviet soldiers who defeated Nazism and defended their homeland during the Great Patriotic War, describing their actions as an example of exceptional heroism and resilience.
The Defence Attaché said that today, servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are demonstrating courage and bravery in what he termed the fight against neo-Nazism as part of the special military operation in Ukraine, ensuring the sovereignty of the Russian state. He said Russian forces continue to operate under difficult conditions, maintaining the strategic initiative and inflicting significant damage on the enemy. He expressed confidence that the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine would be achieved.
Colonel Fenchenko stated that Russia is observing the holiday amid what he described as a brutal confrontation with the West. He alleged that Western countries are determined to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia and are fueling the conflict in Ukraine in an attempt to secure global dominance. He claimed that such actions are creating new threats to Russia’s security and provoking tensions in areas of its strategic interests and historical influence.
He emphasized that for Russia, the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and the indivisibility of security are of paramount importance. According to him, a stable world order can only be achieved through respect for the interests of all countries and the rejection of unilateral pressure. He added that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation serve as an instrument for protecting national interests, with their strategic mission being the prevention of wars and armed conflicts.
Highlighting bilateral ties, he noted that Russian-Pakistani military cooperation has become systemic in recent years. He said consultations between the defence ministries are regularly held, delegation exchange programs and military training initiatives are being implemented, and joint exercises and naval port calls are taking place. He further stated that dialogue on counterterrorism and regional stability is progressing, and regular contacts between the armed forces of both countries are strengthening mutual understanding and trust.
Concluding his remarks, the Defence Attaché reiterated his confidence in Russia’s military efforts, stating that victory would be achieved.
