Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave a New Year’s speech to military personnel.
“In the coming year, I wish everyone good health, fortitude, reliable and devoted comrades and, of course, clear skies! Like the New Year, our Victory is inevitable!”
said Shoigu.
According to him, Russia faces serious tests in 2022 and faces 2023 in a difficult military-political situation.
In his view, the destruction of monuments to the victors of Nazism and the eradication of Russian culture in the next year, in the context of attempts to overturn Russian history, “not only remains a good folk tradition, but also acquires a deeper meaning. as a symbol of our hopes for a peaceful future.”
“You celebrate the upcoming New Year away from loved ones, heroically fulfilling combat duties to protect the national interests and security of Russia, solving the most difficult tasks during a special military operation. Being on the front lines and positions, on combat duty and in remote areas of the world’s oceans, today you protect not only the great history of Russia, but also its bright future. Behind each of us is Russia!” said Shoigu.
According to him, because of the exploits, courage and heroism of the Russian army, “the year that goes will forever enter the military history of the Fatherland”.
“We will always remember our comrades who sacrificed themselves while fulfilling their combat mission to save civilians from genocide and violence just for the right to speak Russian. “Their memory will live forever in the hearts of the peoples of Russia,” he said.
Shoigu also thanked the doctors, workers of the military-industrial complex, builders, volunteers and relatives of the Russian army.
“The warmth of your love, your spiritual light, and your support is the most important thing to any soldier, wherever he may be. For this, I bow before you.”
Congratulations from the State Duma
Also, the upcoming Russian New Year was celebrated by the Head of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.
“Happy New Year! Let 2023 be a time to achieve your goals, overcome difficulties, strengthen Russia, bring new victories to our country and bring happiness and well-being to every family.”
Volodin also wished the citizens good health and all the best.
Congratulatory message from Putin to non-Russians
The previous day, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated some foreign heads of state and government on the New Year and Christmas. In particular, President and Prime Minister of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturian and Nikol Pashinyan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev, etc.
The press service added that Putin sent holiday greetings to Bolivian Luis Catacora and Venezuelan Presidents Nicolas Maduro, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Indian President and Prime Minister Droupadi Murm and Narendra Modi.
Putin also congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping on the upcoming New Year. He expressed his belief that the cooperation between the countries will be carried to even greater heights.
On December 31, Putin received congratulations on Xi.
“Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory telegrams to each other on the occasion of the New Year on December 31,” China Central Television said in a statement.
Unfriendly colleagues not congratulated
Later, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin does not congratulate heads of state who are hostile to Russia.
“We actually have no contact with them and, given their continued hostility, the president will not congratulate them.”
said.
The Kremlin representative noted that “these counterparts” from unfriendly countries also did not send any congratulations to Russia.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.