Defender of the Fatherland Day
Russia uses a 21-gun salute on holidays such as on Defender of the Fatherland Day (23 February), Victory Day (9 May), and Russia Day (12 June), during parades (as the National Anthem is played) and during the nighttime ceremony of salute firing on holidays. Contrary to belief, foreign leaders are not entitled to a 21-gun salute during state visits to Russia.