MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin wanted the Russians to have a brighter new year on Thursday and praised the country for its courage and resistance to the coronavirus epidemic.
In a televised showdown that aired just before midnight in each of Russia’s 11 time zones, Putin said that a year ago “no one can believe the demanding situations we would face. “
Russia has recorded more than 3 million people with infections and more than 100,000 deaths, according to figures.
“It feels like it’s had a burden of several years last year,” Putin said. “It is difficult for all of us, with worries, serious problems with curtains, anxieties and, for some, the loss of those we enjoy.
He praised the Russians for accepting the challenge of the virus with dignity and courage and congratulated the medical staff.
Russia faced a large increase in cases in the fall, with infections and deaths far exceeding those reported in the spring.
The spring blockade severely hit the economy and caused widespread discontent, underning Putin’s popularity, and the government refrained from imposing it again amid the new wave of infections. Medical staff have reported overflowing hospitals and other symptoms of tension.
The Russian government has set its hopes on the nationally designed Sputnik V vaccine, and granted it immediate regulatory approval in August, at a time when it had been tested on a few dozen people.
Earlier this month, Putin ordered a “large-scale” vaccination, Sputnik V is still undergoing the complex studies needed to ensure its protection and effectiveness.
The government stated that more than 300,000 people have won the vaccine and that the vaccination crusade has expanded to reach wider categories of the population.
“I am convinced that together we will triumph over all this, return to a general life and, with renewed energy, we will continue to resolve the responsibilities facing Russia,” Putin said in his speech.
He wanted to maintain national unity, but refrained from mentioning the national vote of 1 July which passed a series of constitutional amendments by adding a provision that re-set the number of his mandates to allow him to return in 2024.
Nearly 78% of the electorate approved adjustments that allow Putin, 68, to run for two terms for more than six years and remain in force until 2036.
Putin, who has been in force for more than two decades, more than any other Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, said he would do so later if he would return in 2024.
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