Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would “never give in” in his annual year-end speech, scheduled to be broadcast in every time zone just before midnight before the New Year.
Putin emphasized national unity in the recorded speech, which lasted just under four minutes, The Associated Press (AP) reported, citing Russian state media. The speech was significantly shorter than last year.
“We have repeatedly proven that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never give in because there is no power that can separate us,” Putin said in his remarks, according to the AFP news agency.
Putin did not mention Ukraine by name in his remarks, although the country's nearly two-year war was a central theme of his comments.
“What unites and unites us is the fate of the Fatherland, a deep understanding of the highest significance of the historical period that Russia is passing through,” Putin said, praising the “solidarity, mercy and fortitude” of Russian citizens.
He praised the soldiers who fought for Russia at the front and said: “We are proud of you, you are heroes, you feel the support of the entire people.”
The AFP news agency reported that Putin made no mention of the deadly shelling in Belgorod on Saturday that killed 24 people and wounded 108. Three children were among the deceased.
Many celebrations in Moscow this year have been muted, the AP reported, as the usual fireworks display and concert on Red Square were canceled this year, like last year. Some other cities canceled their fireworks displays after the attack in Belgorod, the news agency reported.
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