December 31, 2016
23:55
Moscow
New Year Address
to the Nation.
President of Russia
Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, friends,
The year 2016 is
coming to a close. It was a challenging year, but
the difficulties we faced have brought us together and allowed us
to reveal enormous resources for our movement forward.
The main thing is
that we believe in ourselves, in our strengths and in our
country. We are working, and working successfully, and we are
achieving much. I would like to thank you for the victories
and achievements, for your understanding and trust,
and for your true, sincere care for Russia.
We have a vast,
unique and wonderful country! We are united by common concerns
and common joys, by our long-standing good tradition of meeting
the New Year with our families and with hope for the best.
But not everyone is
at the holiday table today. Many of our citizens are away from
home, ensuring Russia’s security, working at enterprises, on duty
in hospitals, and operating trains and aircraft. I would like
to convey my very best wishes for the New Year to all
those who are now fulfilling their labour and military duties.
Dear friends,
We are excitedly awaiting
the sound of the chimes of the Moscow Kremlin,
and we feel the march of time and the approaching
future more clearly than ever before. We experience this only during these
moments, during this wonderful and beloved holiday.
Meanwhile, New Year has
its own secrets. For instance, each of us may become something
of a magician on the night of the New Year.
To do this we simply need to treat our parents with love
and gratitude, take care of our children and families, respect
our colleagues at work, nurture our friendships, defend truth
and justice, be merciful and help those who are in need
of support. This is the whole secret.
May our dreams, heavenly
thoughts and good intentions come true. May joy and love reign
in every home. May our beloved streets, cities and villages become
even more beautiful.
Peace and prosperity
to our common, great homeland, Russia. Happiness, health
and wellbeing to each of you.
Happy New Year 2017!
Statement
by the President of Russia
December 30, 2016
15:15
We regard the recent
unfriendly steps taken by the outgoing US administration
as provocative and aimed at further weakening the Russia-US
relationship. This runs contrary to the fundamental interests
of both the Russian and American people. Considering the global
security responsibilities of Russia and the United States, this
is also damaging to international relations as a whole.
As it proceeds from
international practice, Russia has reasons to respond in kind.
Although we have the right to retaliate, we will not resort
to irresponsible ‘kitchen’ diplomacy but will plan our further steps
to restore Russian-US relations based on the policies
of the Trump Administration.
The diplomats who
are returning to Russia will spend the New Year’s holidays with their
families and friends. We will not create any problems for US
diplomats. We will not expel anyone. We will not prevent their families
and children from using their traditional leisure sites during
the New Year’s holidays. Moreover, I invite all children of US
diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year
and Christmas children’s parties in the Kremlin.
It is regrettable that
the Obama Administration is ending its term in this manner.
Nevertheless, I offer my New Year greetings to President Obama
and his family.
My season’s
greetings also to President-elect Donald Trump and the American
people.
I wish all
of you happiness and prosperity.
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