Iran Press/ Europe: The outgoing year has been a year of "difficult, necessary decisions, major steps" towards Russia's full independence, and now the country is fighting for its future, President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year's address to Russian citizens on Saturday.
TASS has collected the key statements of the New Year's address of the President, which lasted nine minutes and became the longest in history.
"It was a year of difficult, necessary decisions, major steps towards gaining the full sovereignty of Russia and the powerful consolidation of our society".
Putin added: "The "truly pivotal, fateful events" of 2022 have become a milestone laying the foundation for the common future of Russians and their true independence: This is what we are fighting for today."
"It was a year that put a lot in its place, clearly separated courage and heroism from betrayal and cowardice, showed that there is no higher power than love for one's family and friends, loyalty to friends and comrades, devotion to one's Fatherland," Putin added.
The Russian President siaf: "The Western elites hypocritically assured of their peaceful intentions, including the settlement of the conflict in the Donbass, but in fact "in every possible way encouraged the neo-Nazis".
Putin stressed: "This year, the West declared a "real sanctions war" on Russia: "Those who started it expected the complete destruction of our industry, finances, and transport. This did not happen, because together we created a reliable margin of safety."
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