Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) lays a wreath during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin wall to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow on Sunday. The Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated in Russia on February 23, honors the nation’s army and is a nationwide holiday. Photo: AFP

The Russian military thwarted major threats to the country by defeating terrorists in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday at a gala concert on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, according to the TASS news agency.

"Today, Russia's security is in safe hands, as our officers and soldiers are persistently and consistently conducting combat training at a new level, building up their military skills during strategic exercises," Putin said.

"They destroyed large well-equipped terrorist groups, prevented major threats to our country at a long range, and helped the Syrians to defend the sovereignty of the country," he added.

The president also thanked all participants in the military operation in Syria for their service, saying that they showed their high professionalism and combat effectiveness during the operation.

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian national holiday on Feb. 23 that celebrates people who are and were serving in the armed forces. Unofficially, it is also marked as Men's Day in the country.