As the clock struck midnight, President Vladimir Putin delivered a heartfelt message to the nation, emphasizing Russia’s unbreakable unity, mutual support, and shared faith in a brighter future.
He honored the heroes defending the Motherland, assured millions stand with them in spirit, and reaffirmed collective devotion to Russia's sovereignty and victory.
“We will continue to work and build, to achieve our set goals and move only forward for the sake of our children and grandchildren, for the sake of our great Russia!”
Find the full text of the address below:
"Dear citizens of Russia! Dear friends!
In these moments before the arrival of the New Year, we all feel the passage of time. The future lies ahead of us. And what it will be like depends to a great extent on us.
We rely on our own strength. On those who are close to us, who are near and dear. And we are always ready ourselves to lend a shoulder. Such mutual support gives us confidence that everything we have planned—our hopes and aspirations—will surely come to pass.
Of course, each of us has our own personal, special, and unique ones. But they are inseparable from the fate of our Motherland, from the sincere desire to be of benefit to her. After all, together we are the people of Russia. The labor, successes, and achievements of each of us add new chapters to her thousand-year history. And the strength of our unity determines the sovereignty and security of the Fatherland, its development, its future.
The New Year is above all faith in the better, in goodness and good fortune—a unique and magical holiday when hearts open to love, friendship, and compassion, to sensitivity and generosity. We strive to bring joy, to warm with our attention those who need participation and care. And, of course, to support with word and deed our heroes—the participants in the special military operation.
You have taken upon yourselves the responsibility to fight for our native land, for truth and justice. Millions of people throughout Russia—I assure you!—are with you on this New Year's night. They are thinking of you, empathizing, placing their hopes in you. We are united in our sincere, selfless, and devoted love for Russia. I congratulate all our fighters and commanders on the coming New Year! We believe in you and in our victory!
Dear friends! In a few seconds, we will hear the chimes of the clock, and the new year will come into its own. We are welcoming it together with those closest to us—with children, parents, friends, comrades-in-arms. Even those who are far away right now—you are still by our side. I wish everyone health and happiness, mutual understanding and well-being. And without fail—love, which inspires. May our traditions, faith, and memory unite all generations, supporting us always and in everything.
Together, we are one big family—strong and cohesive! And therefore we will continue to work and build, to achieve our set goals and move only forward for the sake of our children and grandchildren, for the sake of our great Russia!
Happy New Year, dear friends! Happy 2026!"