Vladimir Putin was tough on Western countries in his New Year's message to the Russian people. The Russian president said that he took the "necessary decisions" regarding Ukraine.
"2022 was the year of difficult, necessary decisions and steps forward to gain the full sovereignty of the Russian Federation. This year put things in their place, separated heroism from betrayal. We are fighting to protect our people on our territory," Putin said, appealing for unity against the Western enemy.
"The moral and historical truth is on our side. For years, the Western elite has been assuring us of its peaceful intentions, including the resolution of the conflict in Donbas. In fact, they encouraged the Nazis in Ukraine. The West lied about peace, it was preparing for aggression," added the President of Russia.
Russia has not spared the bombing of the entire territory of Ukraine even on the last day of 2022. According to officials there, dozens of shells have been launched in the direction of various cities.
The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitaly Klitschko, said that from the explosions in the city there was at least one victim and several wounded.
The attacks came two days after Russia launched one of its biggest air strikes in Ukraine since the start of the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia would strike again so that Ukraine would spend New Year's Eve in total darkness.