MOSCOW, December 31. /TASS/. Russia defended its interests and values firmly this year, and a lot was done, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year’s address.

"We say farewell to year 2023, it will become a part of history, and will need to move forward, to create our future," Putin said. "We worked hard this year and did a lot, we were proud of our common achievements, we enjoyed our success and we were firm in protection of our national interests, our freedom and our security, our values that remain our indestructible pillar," the Russian leader added.