MOSCOW, September 17 /ITAR-TASS/. Political forces that are ready to defend Russia’s national interests won the recent local and regional elections in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the newly elected governors of Russian regions and territories on Wednesday.

“The main outcome of (these elections) is that society demonstrated its spirit of solidarity in the face of various challenges. I would like to emphasize that voters had supported those political forces that are ready to defend our national interests and are determined to develop and strengthen our state,” the Russian president said.

He noted the elections had been well organized. Putin also thanked all people who had taken part in the polls.