Russia's President Vladimir Putin congratulated the members and veterans of the Border Guard Service on the occasion of the Border Guards Day.

Addressing them in a letter, Putin considered that the tasks that the Border Guards are facing "are particularly important now, given the unprecedented political, economic and information pressure on our country and the build-up of NATO military capacity in direct proximity to Russia’s borders."

"I would like to single out the well-coordinated and courageous actions of the staff of the Russian Border Guard Service in preventing all manner of provocation and subversion," he said.

The Russian President also highlighted the Border Guards' consistent work "to identify militants of neo-Nazi groups, your participation in organizing the safe passage of refugees, and helping women, children and the elderly, and all those who seek refuge and protection on Russian territory."

"I expect you to effectively and professionally handle the full range of other critically important tasks facing the Border Guards, including those affecting the economic security of our country," Putin pointed out

"I am convinced that you will continue to act with firmness and resolve, carrying out your military and patriotic duty to the Homeland and the people of Russia with honor," Putin concluded.