Putin's short New Year address highlights sovereignty and resolve
Vladimir Putin addressed the Russians in his New Year's speech, speaking about honour and Russia's sovereignty.
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Vladimir Putin traditionally sent New Year's greetings to Russians. The Russian leader spoke against the backdrop of the Kremlin. This time, the head of state's speech lasted 4 minutes and was one of the shortest in his entire presidency.
Putin highlighted the nation’s independence, strength, and resilience in overcoming significant challenges. As the New Year approaches, he expressed optimism about the future and confidence that the country will continue to thrive.
He said Russia has faced the toughest challenges and has much to be proud of, though there is still much to be done. He added that "protecting the country's sovereignty is a matter of honour." In his speech, Putin mentioned participants in the war with Ukraine and stated that Russians are "proud of the courage and valour" of the Russian army.
The President's New Year's address was first seen by residents of Kamchatka and Chukotka, where the New Year had already arrived due to the time difference.
Putin has ruled Russia for almost 25 years
BBC correspondent in Moscow, Steve Rosenberg, recalls that when Boris Yeltsin handed over power to Vladimir Putin, he told him to "take care of Russia." It will soon be 25 years since Putin has been in power. In an article published on the BBC portal, Rosenberg summarises the impact of the war against Ukraine on the situation of Russians.
"One thing I can say with certainty: over twenty-five years I've seen different Putins. And I'm not the only one," he continues.
"The Putin I met with, did good business with, established a Nato-Russia Council with, is very, very different from this almost megalomaniac at the present moment," former NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson told Rosenberg. "The man who stood beside me in May 2002, right beside me, and said Ukraine is a sovereign and independent nation state which will make its own decisions about security, is now the man who says that [Ukraine] is not a nation state," he added.
