The President of Russia Vladimir Putin delivered a New Year's address to the country's citizens.
The head of state noted that Russia managed to meet the most difficult challenges over the past year. According to him, there is still much to do, but what has already been done "rightly fills us with pride".
"On the threshold of the new year, we think about the future. We are confident that everything will be fine. We will only move forward," the president said.
Putin also addressed the servicemen, noting that the thoughts and hopes of their families and friends, millions of people across the country, are now with them. He called them true heroes, whose courage and bravery Russia is proud of.
The head of state recalled that next year the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II will be celebrated. He added that 2025 has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia.
Putin noted that Russia has gone through many large-scale events in the first quarter of the 21st century thanks to the unity of the people. The country has set itself great goals and achieved them. According to the president, Russians have overcome many trials because they were together.
"This has strengthened our unity, our faith in ourselves, in our strengths and capabilities," he added.
"I wish well-being and prosperity to each of our homes, to each of our families and to our beloved country - Russia. When we are together, everything will come true," Putin noted.