The ensemble took part in the festive celebrations dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day

Among the many holidays celebrated in our country, Defender of the Fatherland Day holds a special place. For over 100 years, on this February 23rd, we honor those who have defended our homeland from foreign invaders throughout history, paying tribute and respect to the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, our soldiers who have dutifully fulfilled their international duty in Afghanistan, and those who have bravely fought in other hotspots. On this day, we express our gratitude to the heroes of our time, the participants in the special military operation.

On the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, on February 20, 2026, a solemn event dedicated to this national holiday was held at the clubFederal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by deputy directors of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, heads of structural units of the department's central office, veterans of law enforcement troops, military personnel, and employees of the National Guard.

The festive event began with the raising of the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the banner of the Federal Service of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, and the personal standard of the Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation.

The Director – Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, Hero of the Russian Federation, Army General Viktor Zolotov addressed the audience. He noted that the National Guard plays an invaluable role in protecting the Fatherland, ensuring state and public security, and protecting the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens.

Viktor Zolotov thanked the military personnel and employees of the National Guard for their impeccable service, and wished all the defenders of the Fatherland good health, family well-being, and new professional achievements. The National Guardsmen who distinguished themselves in the performance of their military and official duties received state and departmental awards from the hands of Viktor Zolotov.

Viktor Vasilyevich also drew attention to the fact that the professional holiday of the National Guard troops, which is celebrated on March 27, coincides with Theatre Day. To mark this occasion, the creative team of the State Academic Maly Theatre of Russia will perform on the stage of the National Guard Club, showcasing scenes from the play "The Big Three (Yalta-45)."

A musical gift to all participants of the event was the performance of the choir and soloists of the Academic Order "For Merit in Culture and the Arts" of the Ensemble of Song and Dance of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, led by the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General, Hero of Labor of Russia Viktor Eliseev.

Evgeny Shiryaev's song "Workers of War" based on the poem by Ilya Reznik, performed by the Ensemble's choir, received a warm response from the audience. This song is dedicated to all those who have fought for their homeland throughout history, as well as those who have loved and waited for their defenders in the rear, contributing to the victory through their hard work.

The song "When We Were at War", written by Viktor Stolyarov to the lyrics of David Samoilov, has long become a truly popular song. It is a deep internal monologue of a cavalry warrior, in which the war serves only as a backdrop for a personal drama. In today's concert, it was performed by the Ensemble's choir and soloist, the Honored Artist of the Republic of Ingushetia Igor Safonov.

In the song "Beyond the Faraway Outskirts" by Nikolai Budashkin, based on the lyrics by Gleb Akulov, there are no loud slogans or appeals – it is filled with the feelings of two people who love each other but have been separated by war. However, the song's lyrical nature reveals a strong belief in victory. The soulful performance of this song by the Ensemble's lead singer, People's Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva, left a lasting impression on the audience.

The concert ended with the patriotic song "Glory" from Mikhail Glinka's opera "Ivan Susanin."