PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATKSY, December 31. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin in his New Year address to the nation has praised the Russian military who these days are waging a war on terrorism.
"By tradition most of us celebrate this holiday with our families and friends," Putin said in the message that was telecast minutes before midnight in Russia’s Far East. "True, some have no chance to see in the New Year in the company of the dear ones - some have to remain on duty at hospitals and non-stop production factories, perform official and military duties, protect the borders, stay on guard and maintain our security," Putin said. "We are grateful to all those who are always on the alert day and night, on weekends and on holidays."
"It would like to address special thanks to those of our military servicemen who are waging a war on international terrorism and safeguarding Russia’s national interests far away from home," he said.
Putin pointed to such essential qualities of military servicemen as willpower, resoluteness and firmness of character.
"These qualities are essential everywhere and always and in any undertaking," he said. "The success of the whole country depends on the effective performance and achievements of each of us," he said. Putin recalled that Russians shared the determination to benefit the Motherland and bear the responsibility for its future.
He looked back on the 70th anniversary of the great victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, celebrated in 2015.
"Our history, the experience of our parents and grandparents and their unity in the moments of hardship are a great example for us to follow," he said. "They helped us all the way and they will be helping us further on in providing a worthy response to modern challenges."
Putin remarked that while celebrating the New Year in the company of relatives and friends one could not but have the keenest feeling of how very precious those around might be. He wished to all parents the love and warm care of their children and to the young people, the brightness of mind and proactive attitude to life. Their love and responsiveness, he said, should provide support to all those around in the daily routine. Putin proposed a toast to success, joy, happiness and the prosperity and well-being of Russia.