The New Year message from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was delivered to military personnel, offering reflections on the year ahead and the challenges facing the armed forces. The minister extended wishes for health, resilience, loyal comrades, and clear skies, expressing a firm belief that victory will come with time, much like the calendar turning from one year to the next. The address framed 2022 as a period of serious tests and presented 2023 within a difficult military-political context, highlighting ongoing pressures and responsibilities carried by Russia’s forces.
Shoigu emphasized that the destruction of monuments honoring those who defeated Nazism and broader efforts to erode Russian culture are not merely remnants of a historical narrative but acquire renewed meaning as symbols of Russia’s hopes for a peaceful future despite attempts to rewrite history. He spoke of the sacrifices and obligations shouldered by service members who celebrate the New Year away from loved ones, carrying out combat duties to safeguard national interests and security. He described front-line service, maritime presence, and remote locations around the world as part of a mission to protect not just Russia’s history but its bright future, asserting that the nation stands behind every soldier. The remarks concluded with a declaration that the exploits and courage of the Russian armed forces would ensure that the coming year would begin a chapter in the military history of the Fatherland.
Shoigu honored the memory of those who gave their lives to save civilians from genocide and violence, underscoring that their sacrifices would live on in the hearts of the Russian people. He also expressed gratitude to doctors, workers in the military-industrial complex, builders, volunteers, and the families connected to the Russian army, stressing that the warmth of their support is essential to every soldier, wherever he is stationed. The sentiment was clear: loyalty, care, and steadfast backing are integral to the nation’s military spirit.
During the same period, the leadership of the State Duma joined in extending New Year greetings. Vyacheslav Volodin, the head of the lower chamber, offered well wishes and urged a year ahead marked by progress, resilience, and renewed achievements for Russia, along with the happiness and well-being of every family. The message also called for continued good health among the citizens.
In a separate note, the Russian president extended greetings to several foreign heads of state and government. Mentions included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, South Ossetia, Bolivia, Venezuela, Hungary, and others. The president also conveyed holiday greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed belief that continued cooperation would reach new heights. The exchange of New Year greetings between the two leaders was acknowledged as part of ongoing mutual outreach.
Later, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that the Kremlin does not extend New Year congratulations to heads of state deemed hostile to Russia. He stated that there had been no contact with those counterparts, and given ongoing hostilities, the president would refrain from offering congratulations. The spokesperson noted that other governments considered unfriendly also did not send New Year messages to Moscow.