SOCHI/MOSCOW, November 28. /TASS/. Russia is ready to deal with the great challenges it is facing, President Vladimir Putin said, addressing the World Russian People's Council via video link.

"We are facing a lot of great challenges that require common efforts, and we are ready for this work. We are stronger now that our historical lands have reunited with Russia. [Russian] society is rejecting everything alien, going back to its true values," he pointed out.

Putin noted that one of the goals was to preserve and multiply the people of Russia. "Together, we have demonstrated our national strength and will, as well as determination to protect our core interests, that is, the core interests of the country’s peoples," he added.