Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday described the army as a “guarantor” of the stability of the Russian state and pledged to increase the production of the defense industry in order to meet the needs that have arisen after the invasion of Ukraine.

“A modern and efficient army and navy are a guarantee for the country’s security and sovereignty, a guarantee of its stable development and future,” Putin said in a video released on Defender of the Fatherland Day, a day before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine .

“For this reason, as in the past, we will pay priority attention to strengthening our defense capabilities,” the Russian president added.

Putin pointed out that he wants to “lead the balanced and high-quality development of all components of the armed forces”, equipping them mainly “with new strike systems, reconnaissance and communication equipment, drones and artillery systems”.

The Russian president in this video, which lasts less than five minutes and was released by the Kremlin, expressed his satisfaction “at the current increase in production of the entire range of conventional weapons” from the Russian defense industry, which he asked to do more.

At the same time, he once again hailed “the courage” and “heroism” of the Russian soldiers participating in the invasion of Ukraine. “The unbroken unity (of the nation) is the key to victory,” he estimated.

On Wednesday, Putin delivered a speech from Moscow’s main stadium during a large, patriotic concert, during which he declared that Russia’s military was fighting in Ukraine for “its historic territories.”