Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia has its own view of the future and the implementation of further plans, and it is important not to stray from this path and to achieve the set goals.
"We have our own view on how and what kind of country to build, what plans to implement. And it is critically important today not to stray from this path and to achieve the outlined large-scale goals. Thus, a lot depends on each of you in the coming days," Putin said.
The Russian president added that citizens have already proven they can stand together to defend freedom, sovereignty and security.
"We have already proven that we know how to be together, defending Russia's freedom, sovereignty and security, defending our values, traditions, history and culture, acting according to conscience and truth, according to justice," Putin said.
The president added that the Russian people is the only source of power in Russia, this is enshrined in the country's Constitution.
"I would like to stress that the people is the only source of power in our country. This key legal provision is enshrined in the Constitution. Its main point is that only you, citizens of Russia, determine the fate of the Fatherland," Putin pointed out.
Russia will hold presidential elections on March 15-17, 2024.
Four candidates registered by the Central Election Commission are running: Vladimir Putin, State Duma (lower house) international affairs committee chairman Leonid Slutsky (LDPR), State Duma Far Eastern and Arctic development committee chairman Nikolai Kharitonov (Communist Party) and State Duma Deputy Speaker Vladislav Davankov (New People party).