Unity and mutual support are driving the country forward to new goals and achievements, the president has said

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered the traditional New Year's Eve address on Wednesday, speaking about the country's achievements, national unity and support, and the work that lies ahead.  

Kamchatka in the Russian Far East, which is nine hours ahead of Moscow, was the first region to celebrate the New Year, and the clock has now also struck midnight in the country's capital.  

The Russian leader spoke about the utmost importance of staying strong and united, stating that the country's future "depends largely on us."  

"We rely on our own strength, on those who stand beside us, our nearest and dearest - and we ourselves are always ready to stand by them. This mutual support gives us confidence that all we have envisioned - our hopes and plans - will surely be fulfilled," he said.  

The "work, successes, and achievements of each of us" contributes to writing new chapters in the country's "thousand-year history," the president said. In his address, Putin singled out the Russian soldiers and officers involved in the special military operation against Ukraine, who had taken "the responsibility to fight for our native land, for truth and justice." 

"Millions of people across Russia, I assure you, are with you on this New Year's night - thinking of you, their hearts with you, placing their hopes in you. We are united in sincere, selfless, devoted love for Russia. I wish all our fighters and commanders a Happy New Year. We believe in you and in our victory," he said, stressing that even "those who are far away right now - you are still by our side" during the holiday.  

The president praised Russians as "one great family, strong and united," that is set to continue to "work and build, to achieve our goals and to move ever forward" for the sake of "our great Russia."  

"I wish everyone health and happiness, understanding and prosperity - and, most of all, love, which inspires. May our traditions, faith, and memory unite all generations and sustain us always, in all we do," he concluded.