The counterpart to last month's "Defender of the Fatherland" Day, today in Russia women are recognized for the things that make them special

Russian President Vladimir Putin wished the country's mothers, daughters, wives and female colleagues a happy International Women's Day, noting that the fairer sex brings beauty, brightness and hope into the world.

In a special address dedicated to International Women's Day, President Vladimir Putin warmly commended Russian women for the beauty, brightness and hope they bring into the world.

According to Putin, in Russia this holiday is celebrated with special warmth.

"Dear women, I sincerely commend you on this International Women's Day, which is marked with special warmth in Russia, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world. It is filled with gifts and flowers, as well as the kindest feelings towards our mothers, wives, daughters and colleagues – women who all are close to our hearts," he said.

Putin heaped praise on the character traits of Russian women, which he said reflect Russia's soul.

"Women give us life; they warm us with their love, support and care. It is a woman's dignity and mercy which reveal the true [nature of the] Russian soul," he pointed out.

He expressed special gratitude to Russia's surviving female World War II veterans who helped men prevail over the enemy.

"I would like to specifically extend gratitude to the women of the war generation. Your fortitude, your feat taught us to become real men and win against all odds," Putin said.

He also pointed to a whole array of positive moments that Russian women have brought to the world.

"You, our dear women, possess a unfathomable secret: you do everything on time and cope with a huge load of worries while looking tender, charming and amazing. You bring goodness, beauty, brightness and hopefulness to the world. We are proud of you and we love you," Putin concluded, wishing the women "plenty of happy days and years."

International Women's Day celebrated annually on March 8th in a number of countries.

The holiday is also observed by the United Nations as the International Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

Historically, the holiday emerged in the early 20th century as a day of solidarity among working women who had struggled for equal rights and emancipation.