Putin welcomes 2021 with a record six-minute New Year’s address

In his New Year’s address to the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that 2020 has been a difficult year, saying that it “contained the weight of several years.” The address was first aired to residents of Kamchatka and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in Russia’s Far East, who welcomed the New Year at 3:00 p.m. Moscow time.

Now it seems that the outgoing year contained the weight of several years. It was difficult for every one of us, with anxieties and great material difficulties, with worries and for some — with the bitter loss of loved ones.

Putin underscored that Russian citizens went through this difficult year “with dignity, as befits a unified people, who honor the traditions of their ancestors.”

We look up to our dear veterans, to the valiant generation [that] defeated the infection of Nazism. In spite of everything, we fulfilled our sacred, filial duty — we celebrated the Great Victory’s 75th anniversary with appreciation and gratitude.

Putin also acknowledged those who are unable to celebrate the New Year with their friends and loved ones: the sick, medical workers, emergency workers, and military servicemen.

Putin’s address lasted nearly six minutes, making it the longest New Year’s message of his entire presidency.