In New Year’s address, Putin says Russia has met ‘difficult challenges’ with strength, assures ‘everything will turn out well’

Meduza.io

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his New Year’s address on December 31, with the speech first airing on Russian television in the Far East.

“Our country — independent, free, and strong — has been able to respond to the most difficult challenges. Now, on the threshold of the New Year, we think about the future. We’re confident that everything will turn out well. We will keep moving forward,” Putin said, speaking against the backdrop of the Kremlin.

“We know for certain that the fate of Russia and the well-being of its citizens have always been, are, and will remain our absolute value. Genuine love for our homeland fills our lives with profound meaning, and the desire to contribute to protecting its sovereignty, security, interests, and free development has become a matter of honor for us.”

Putin also referenced Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, saying the country “takes pride in the courage and bravery” of its soldiers. “On this New Year’s Eve, the thoughts and hopes of millions of families across Russia are with our fighters and their commanders,” he said.

“I wish prosperity and well-being to every home, every family, and to our beloved country — Russia. When we are united, everything will come true,” Putin concluded.

Russia is now in its third year of full-scale war against Ukraine. Ahead of the New Year, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine, with damage reported in Kyiv, as well as in the Kyiv and Sumy regions. Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the strikes targeted military airfield infrastructure and defense industry facilities.