“We will win,” Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in his longest New Year’s speech, TASS reports.
For the first time, Putin did not speak from the Kremlin, but from the headquarters of the southern military district of Rostov-on-Don, surrounded by military personnel.
The first to hear and see the greeting have traditionally been the inhabitants of Kamchatka, where 2023 has already arrived.
“This has been a year of difficult and necessary decisions, the most important steps towards acquiring Russia’s full sovereignty and powerfully consolidating our society,” Putin said.
Shoigu: Our victory, like the New Year, is inevitable
“The truly key and fateful events of 2022 have become a cornerstone that lays the foundation for the common future of Russians and their true independence – this is what we are fighting for today,” Putin stressed.
“It was a year that put many in their place, clearly separated courage and heroism from treachery and cowardice, proved that there is no higher power than love of family and friends, loyalty to comrades, devotion to the Motherland,” Putin said.
Zelensky announced that Ukrainian troops are advancing into parts of Donbass
“For years the West lied about peace, but in reality it was preparing for aggression. And today it openly admits it, it is no longer embarrassed. They are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and divide Russia. we will never let anyone do this to us,” Putin said.
“Western elites hypocritically pledged their peaceful intentions, including the resolution of the conflict in Donbass, but in reality they encouraged the neo-Nazis in every possible way,” Putin stressed.
“This year the West declared a full-blown war of sanctions on Russia. Those who initiated it expected the total destruction of our industry, finance and transportation. This did not happen because together we created a security reserve reliable,” Putin said.
Russia with new attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure
He thanked his compatriots for “sensitivity, responsibility and kindness. For the fact that you, people of different ages and with different incomes, actively participate in the common cause, organize provisions and transport for their delivery to our soldiers in the zone of military operations ”.
“Russian military and volunteers are now fighting for their homeland, for truth and justice. In order to provide reliable guarantees for Russia’s peace and security. All of them are our heroes, now it’s the hardest thing for them,” Putin stressed.
“We will do everything possible to help the families of our fallen comrades raise their children, give them a decent education and get a profession,” Putin added.
He thanked the military for their valiant service and greeted “all personnel of the armed forces” for the new year:
“Our entire vast country is proud of your strength, steadfastness and courage, millions of people are with you in their souls and hearts.”
“The main thing is the fate of Russia, its protection is a sacred duty to our ancestors and descendants. We have always known this and today we are again convinced that the sovereign, independent and secure future of Russia depends only on us, on the our strength and will. Russia’s struggle for its interests and future will become an inspiring example for other countries in their pursuit of a just multipolar world order. Together we will overcome all difficulties and preserve the greatness and independence of our country We will win for our families and for Russia,” Putin concluded.
