Russia does not have a single, official holiday named "Veterans Day." Instead, the honor and remembrance of military veterans are observed on several distinct dates, each with its own historical significance. The most prominent of these is Victory Day ( ), celebrated annually on May 9. This major national holiday commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, marking the end of the Great Patriotic War (World War II), and it serves as the primary day for honoring all veterans, especially those who fought in that conflict.
Two other significant dates also function to recognize military service. Defender of the Fatherland Day ( ), observed on February 23, originated to honor the Red Army but has evolved to celebrate all who serve or have served in the Russian Armed Forces, and is colloquially considered a "men's day." More recently, the Day of Remembrance of Russians who fulfilled their official duty outside the Fatherland was established on February 15. This date specifically honors the service members and veterans of the Soviet-Afghan War and other international military conflicts, marking the anniversary of the final Soviet troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989.
In summary, while there is no direct equivalent to a singular "Veterans Day," Russia distributes the commemoration of its military veterans across multiple key holidays. Victory Day on May 9 is the most significant and widely celebrated event for honoring veterans, while Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23 and the Day of Remembrance on February 15 serve to recognize veterans of different eras and conflicts within Russia's military history.
