Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the country's Border Guard Service to effectively use all means to protect Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Border Guard Day holiday, Putin pointed out that "border guards have always stood sentinel over state interests and if the enemy attacked our country, they were the first to repel the onslaught and resolutely went into battle, as it happened in June 1941."

"We will never forget this unprecedented feat and the heroes of the Great Patriotic War," he added.

The Russian President described today’s staff members of the country's Border Guard Service as the successors of those who defeated Nazism.

He specified that these members "continue to discharge their duty with honor and dignity, solve challenging high-priority tasks to protect the state borders, carry out border control and protection of marine resources, make an important contribution to implementing international integration projects and development of cross-border cooperation, fight transnational crime and smuggling, and prevent diversions and terrorist attacks."

"I want to thank you for your conscientious service and especially note all the border guards taking part in the special military operation, fighting the neo-Nazis," Putin told the border service.

He continued, "I am confident that you will continue to act selflessly, bravely and efficiently, and will competently and effectively use all available resources and means to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and the security of our people."

Elsewhere, the Russian leader highlighted that "the military service to defend the borders of our country has always been responsible and prestigious."

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson confirmed that Russian forces have foiled an attempt by Ukrainian forces to target positions of the Vostok group in the South-Donetsk direction, as per Sputnik.

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