Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia “will never back down” in his annual year-end address, which was due to be broadcast in every time zone shortly before midnight before the New Year.
Putin stressed national unity in the pre-recorded speech, which lasted less than four minutes, according to the Associated Press, citing Russian state media. The title was much shorter than the previous year's title.
Putin said in his statements, according to what the agency quoted him as saying: “We have proven time and time again that we are capable of solving the most difficult problems and we will never back down because there is no force that can divide us.” Agence France-Presse.
Putin did not mention Ukraine by name in his remarks, although the country's nearly two-year-old war was the main topic of his comments.
Putin said: “What unites and unites us is the fate of the homeland, and a deep understanding of the utmost importance of the historical stage that Russia is going through,” praising the “solidarity, compassion and steadfastness of Russian citizens.”
He praised the soldiers fighting on the front lines for Russia, saying: “We are proud of you. You are heroes, and you feel the support of the entire people.”
Agence France-Presse reported that Putin did not mention the deadly bombing that occurred in Belgorod on Saturday, which killed 24 people and injured 108 others. Among the deceased were three children.
The Associated Press reported that many celebrations were quiet this year in Moscow, with the usual fireworks and concert in Red Square canceled this year, as happened last year. Some other cities canceled their fireworks after the Belgorod attack, the news agency reported.
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