Veterans Day in Russia: date of celebration, history and traditions in 2026

Veterans Day is one of the most significant holidays in Russia, dedicated to those who defended their Motherland during the Great Patriotic War and other military conflicts. This day unites generations, recalling the exploits and sacrifices made for the sake of peace. However, many still confuse it with Victory Day or Defender of the Fatherland Day, without knowing the exact date and features of the celebration.

Unlike May 9, which commemorates the victory over fascism, Veterans Day has a broader meaning. It honors not only front-line soldiers, but also home front workers, veterans of local wars and modern military operations. In 2026, this holiday takes on a special meaning against the backdrop of a special military operation, making it even more relevant for millions of Russians.

In this article you will find not only the exact date of the celebration, but also the history of Veterans Day, traditions of honoring, as well as practical tips on how to support veterans on this day. We will also look at common mistakes in congratulations and explain why this holiday is important for preserving historical memory.

Official date of Veterans Day in Russia

In Russia Combat Veterans Day celebrated annually February 1. This date was established by Federal Law No. 32-FZ of January 12, 1995 “On days of military glory and memorable dates in Russia.” It was on February 1, 1989 that the last Soviet troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan, which became a symbol of the end of one of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century for the USSR.

It is important to understand that February 1 is celebrated everyone combat veterans, regardless of the theater of operations or time period. These are:

• 🔹 Participants of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945)
• 🔹 Veterans of the Afghan War (1979–1989)
• 🔹 Participants of the Chechen campaigns (1994–1996, 1999–2009)
• 🔹 Veterans of other local conflicts (Georgia, Syria, Ukraine)
• 🔹 Military personnel who performed international duty outside the USSR/RF

Interestingly, in some regions of Russia there are additional memorial dates for veterans of specific conflicts. For example, in Chechnya February 1 is celebrated as Day of Remembrance and Honor, and in Dagestan - like Day of Remembrance of Those Fallen in Battles for the Fatherland. However, at the federal level, a single date remains - February 1.

History of the holiday: why did you choose February 1?

The choice of the date February 1 is not accidental. It is associated with the ending Afghan war - a conflict that became the first major foreign policy crisis for the USSR after World War II. The war in Afghanistan (1979–1989) claimed the lives of more than 15 thousand Soviet soldiers and left a deep mark on the history of the country. The last Soviet soldier crossed the bridge over the Amu Darya February 15, 1989, but the official end date of the war is February 1.

The first unofficial events in memory of the Afghans began already in the 1990s, but Veterans Day received the status of a state holiday only in 1995. However, until 2006 it was called Day of Remembrance of Soldiers-Internationalists. The expansion of the name to “Combat Veterans Day” occurred after the Chechen campaigns, when it became clear that the holiday should cover all participants in the wars.

Year	Event	Meaning for the holiday
1989	Withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan	Symbolic end date of the war
1995	Adoption of Federal Law No. 32-FZ	Official establishment of the holiday
2006	Renamed to “Combat Veterans Day”	Expanding the circle of honor
2022	Beginning of a special military operation in Ukraine	Emergence of a new generation of veterans

Interesting fact: in some CIS countries, for example in Belarus and Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Veterans Day is celebrated February 15 - on the day of the actual withdrawal of troops. In Russia, they chose February 1 as the date for the political decision to end the war.

Celebration traditions: how are veterans honored?

Unlike May 9, Veterans Day on February 1 is not a day off, but celebrations are held throughout the country. Major traditions include:

• 🎖️ Presentation of awards and badges of honor: Veterans are awarded medals “For Courage”, “For Military Merit”, as well as regional awards. For example, in Moscow they present the “Combat Veteran” badge.
• 🕯️ Mints of Memory: in many cities there are rallies at monuments to fallen soldiers. Particularly large-scale events are held in Moscow (at the Eternal Flame in the Alexander Garden) and St. Petersburg (at the Piskarevskoye Cemetery).
• 🎤 Concerts and creative evenings: performances by artists and screenings of documentaries about the war are organized in cultural centers and military units.
• 📚 Meetings with young people: Veterans conduct lessons on courage in schools, colleges and universities, sharing their memories.

Particular attention is paid veterans of modern conflicts, including participants in the special operation in Ukraine. Psychological trainings, legal consultations on benefits and medical examinations are organized for them. For example, in 2023, as part of the celebration, more than 5 thousand veterans of the Northern Military District received free vouchers to sanatoriums.

Recently, a new tradition has emerged - "St. George's Ribbon" campaign in winter. If it is usually worn in May, then on February 1, many people attach a ribbon to their clothes as a sign of solidarity with veterans. Flash mobs on social networks with hashtags are also popular #VeteransDay And #RememberAndProud.

How to properly congratulate a veteran: etiquette and mistakes

Many people want to express gratitude to veterans, but do not know how to do it correctly. Main rule: avoid pathos and false sympathy. Veterans value sincerity and respect, not empty words. Here's what to consider:

• ✅ Worthy wording:
• 💬 “I wish you good health and long life!”
• 💬 “Your feat will forever remain in the memory of the people”
• 💬 “Thank you for protecting our future”
• ❌ What not to say:
• 🚫 “You've been through so much...” (may bring up unpleasant memories)
• 🚫 “You should be ashamed of [a specific war]” (political assessments are inappropriate)
• 🚫 “I know how hard it is for you” (if you haven’t been to the war, you don’t know)

If you are giving a gift, give preference practical things:

• 📖 Books about military history (but avoid memoirs about specific conflicts unless you know the veteran's position)
• 🩺 Certificates for medical services or massage
• 🎟️ Tickets to a concert or theater (many veterans love classical music)
• 🍯 Sets of local delicacies (honey, jam, tea)

What to do if a veteran does not want to talk about the war?

Many veterans, especially young SVO members, avoid talking about combat. Don't push questions, rather ask about their current hobbies, family or plans. If a veteran starts a conversation about service, listen carefully, without interrupting or making judgments.

Pay special attention veterans with disabilities. It is important for them to feel like full members of society. Avoid pitying looks or attempts to help without asking. It’s better to politely offer: “May I help you?” and respect their answer.

Benefits and support for veterans in 2026

In Russia, combat veterans are entitled to a number of benefits, which are regulated by Federal Law No. 5-FZ “On Veterans”. In 2026, the following support measures are in effect:

Benefit type	What does it include	How to apply
Tax benefits	Exemption from property tax for 1 property, benefits for land and transport taxes	Through the Federal Tax Service or MFC (you need a veteran’s ID)
Medical benefits	Free dental prosthetics, spa treatment once a year, extraordinary care in clinics	By referral from a doctor or through social security
Housing subsidies	Compensation for 50% of housing and communal services payments, the opportunity to obtain housing under the “Housing for Veterans” program	Through the local administration or the State Services portal
Labor benefits	Additional unpaid leave up to 35 days, advantage in case of staff reduction	Upon application to the employer (show ID)

In 2026, new support measures for Northern Military District veterans:

• 💰 One-time payment upon transfer to the reserve - 3 million rubles (for contract workers)
• 🏠 Mortgage at 2% per annum for the purchase of housing
• 🎓 Quotas for admission to universities without exams (for demobilized)

To receive benefits, a veteran must receive combat veteran certificate. This requires:

1. Passport
2. Military ID or certificate from the military registration and enlistment office
3. Documents confirming participation in hostilities (orders, awards, extracts from archives)

Important: starting from 2023, the certificate will be issued electronically via Public services. The application review period is up to 30 days. If a veteran has a disability, he may qualify for additional payments (for example, EDV - a monthly cash payment).

Veterans Day vs. Victory Day: what's the difference?

Many people confuse Veterans Day (February 1st) with Victory Day (May 9), but there are fundamental differences between these holidays:

• 📅 Date and event: May 9th marks victory in the Great Patriotic War, and February 1 - memory of all combat veterans, regardless of the war.
• 👥 Lap of honor: May 9 is primarily dedicated to WWII veterans, and February 1 is dedicated to everyone who participated in hostilities, including modern conflicts.
• 🎖️ Symbolism: On May 9th it is customary to wear St. George's ribbon and the Order of the Great Patriotic War, and February 1 is often used black and orange ribbon (symbol of memory of those killed in local wars).
• 🎆 Traditions: May 9 - parades and fireworks, February 1 - modest rallies and meetings of veterans.

Another key difference is emotional mood. Victory Day is a holiday with tears in our eyes, but still a holiday. Veterans Day is more intimate and sad, as many remember their fallen comrades. For example, in Afghanistan the USSR lost 15,051 people, in Chechnya - more than 5,000, and losses in the Northern Military District (according to official data for 2026) exceed 30,000 people.

Interestingly, in some countries of the former USSR these holidays were combined. For example, in Belarus May 9th is celebrated everyone veterans, and not just WWII participants. In Russia, a clear division remains, emphasizing the uniqueness of each historical period.

How to support veterans not only on February 1?

Help for veterans should not be limited to one day a year. Here's what you can do regularly:

• 🤝 Volunteering: Many organizations are looking for helpers to deliver groceries, clean apartments, or simply communicate with veterans. For example, the movement “Volunteers of Victory” or “Veterans of Russia”.
• 💼 Employment assistance: If you are an employer, consider placing job quotas on veterans. The state provides subsidies to companies that hire military veterans.
• 📚 Collection of memories: record the veteran's story about his service (with consent). These materials can be donated to local museums or archives. Project “Victory. My History” collects such stories from all over Russia.
• 🏥 Medical support: many veterans require expensive medications or rehabilitation. You can organize a fundraiser for a specific person through proven funds (for example, Rusfond or Podari Zhizn).

Require special attention young veterans of the Northern Military District. Many of them face PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and difficulties in social adaptation. If there are such guys in your environment, offer them:

• 🧘 Free yoga or meditation classes (helps cope with stress)
• 🎣 Fishing or hiking together (distracts from heavy thoughts)
• 💻 Retraining courses (many veterans want to learn a new profession)

Remember that sometimes veterans just need feel needed. Offer to help around the house, invite them to a family dinner, or just call to chat. As one Afghan veteran said: “We don’t need tears - we need living deeds.”

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Veterans Day

🔹 Why is Veterans Day not a day off?

In Russia, February 1 is a working day, since a holiday has the status memorable date, not a public holiday. Only days of military glory associated with victories are days off (for example, May 9). However, in some regions (for example, in Chechnya), local authorities may declare February 1 a non-working day.

🔹 Who is eligible for a combat veteran ID?

The certificate is issued:

• Participants of the Second World War (including home front workers)
• To military personnel who participated in combat operations in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Syria, Ukraine and other “hot spots”
• Civilian personnel working in combat zones (e.g. doctors, journalists)
• Family members of deceased veterans (they are issued a “Family Member of a Deceased Veteran” certificate)

The full list of categories is specified in Article 3 of the Federal Law “On Veterans”.

🔹 Is it possible for a veteran of the Northern Military District to receive benefits if he served in conscription?

Yes, from 2022 benefits apply to everyone SVO participants, regardless of status (conscript or contract soldier). However, to obtain a veteran's certificate, proof of participation in combat operations is required (for example, a certificate from the military registration and enlistment office or an extract from the order).

🔹 How to distinguish a real veteran from a scammer?

Unfortunately, cases of veterans ID fraud are not uncommon. Please note:

• 📄 ID Format: the present has a blue cover with the coat of arms of the Russian Federation and the degree of protection (watermarks, microtext).
• 🔍 Owner details: the certificate must indicate the full name, date of birth, and the basis for obtaining the status (for example, “Participant in combat operations in Afghanistan”).
• 🏛️ Who issued: the certificate must be issued by the social security authority or military registration and enlistment office at the place of residence.

If in doubt, you can check the authenticity of the document through Public services or contact your local social security office.

🔹Where can a veteran go for psychological help?

The following services are available for veterans and their families:

• 📞 Ministry of Defense helpline: 8-800-700-40-25 (24 hours, free)
• 🏥 Psychological assistance centers: in each region there are specialized branches for veterans (addresses can be checked at the military registration and enlistment office)
• 🌐 Online platforms: project “Veteran Online” (veteran-online.ru) offers free consultations with psychologists
• 🤝 Veteran organizations: for example, “Combat Brotherhood” or “Union of Afghanistan Veterans”

Important: If a veteran is in crisis (at risk of suicide), contact immediately psychological emergency line by phone 8-800-333-44-34.