
Russia: Putin urges 'consolidation of Russian society'
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the nobility and honour of the Russian people during a speech at the traditional end-of-year reception in the Kremlin, Friday.
Vladimir Putin said that these qualities were underlined by Russians' response to the return of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia, adding that this event united Russia and caused a great sense of patriotism which the Russian president emphasized should be maintained.
In his remarks, Putin also mentioned that the upcoming year will have its own challenges and said that the consolidation of Russian society is a key condition for its development.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the nobility and honour of the Russian people during a speech at the traditional end-of-year reception in the Kremlin, Friday.
Vladimir Putin said that these qualities were underlined by Russians' response to the return of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia, adding that this event united Russia and caused a great sense of patriotism which the Russian president emphasized should be maintained.
In his remarks, Putin also mentioned that the upcoming year will have its own challenges and said that the consolidation of Russian society is a key condition for its development.