Putin’s New Year address: ‘Peace and prosperity to our great Russia’ | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Putin’s New Year address: ‘Peace and prosperity to our great Russia’

Agence France-Presse, Moscow | ByAgence France-Presse
Dec 31, 2017 06:56 PM IST

Putin’s speech is shown a few minutes before midnight in each of Russia’s eleven time zones.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin wished his compatriots “changes for the better” in 2018 in his traditional televised New Year’s address Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a toast during an award ceremony in the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, for Russian Armed Forces service personnel who took part in the anti-terrorist operation in Syria.(AP)
Russian President Vladimir Putin makes a toast during an award ceremony in the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, for Russian Armed Forces service personnel who took part in the anti-terrorist operation in Syria.(AP)

“Let the New Year bring changes for the better in the life of every person and every family,” Putin told Russians in a speech aired by state television and reported by Russian agencies.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Residents of the country’s most easternly region of Kamchatka will be the first to hear the speech that is shown a few minutes before midnight in each of Russia’s eleven time zones.

The Russian leader addressed “special wishes” to “all of those who are working now, fulfilling their military or professional duty,” agencies reported.

He also thanked Russians for “believing in themselves and in our country.”

He also wished “peace and prosperity to our great Russia, the dear and only one.”

Putin has been in power since 1999 and seeks a historic fourth presidential term in March 2018 elections. He is widely expected to win the vote that would extend his rule until 2024 and make him the longest serving Russian leader since dictator Joseph Stalin.

Russia will also host 2018’s football World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On