Special Operations Forces Day is observed in Russia every February 27. This professional holiday was established by President Vladimir Putin in 2015 to honor the special operations forces, military units that undertake unconventional missions both domestically and internationally. The date coincides with the onset of the 2014 Crimean crisis, during which unidentified troops seized government buildings in Crimea, suspected to be Russian commandos. By declaring this day, Putin acknowledged the involvement of the Russian military in the crisis and the subsequent military intervention in Ukraine. The celebration recognizes the role and contributions of special forces within the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.