Eva Deschamps / January 1, 2023
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday for his New Year's greetings that the "moral and historical correctness" was "on the side" of Russia, in the midst of the offensive in Ukraine and crisis with the West.
Vladimir Putin, who was speaking alongside soldiers who fought in Ukraine and whom he had just decorated, according to the Kremlin, spoke of a past year full of "truly decisive and important events" that "lay the foundations (...) of our true independence".
"That is why we are fighting today, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of Russia," he added.
After launching a military offensive against Ukraine in February, Russia claimed in September the annexation of four Ukrainian territories that it controls at least partially, on the pattern of that of the Crimean peninsula in March 2014.
The Russian president also blasted "a real war of sanctions that has been declared on us" by the West. "Those who launched it expected the total destruction of our industry, our finances and our transportation. This did not happen," he added.
He accused the Americans and Europeans "of cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and divide Russia."
"The West was lying about peace and preparing for aggression. And today, it is not ashamed to admit it, in broad daylight," said the Russian head of state.
Together we will overcome all difficulties and keep our country great and independent. We will go forward and prevail, for the sake of our families and for the sake of Russia," he concluded.
Vladimir Putin also saluted the memory of former Pope Benedict XVI after his death, praising a "defender of traditional Christian values" of which the Russian president also wants to be the apostle. "Benedict XVI was an eminent religious and state personality, a convinced defender of traditional Christian values," he wrote in a message of condolences to Pope Francis, released by the Kremlin.