Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday wished Russia every success, expressing his hope that the country would see "change for the better" in 2010.
He said life was not only about sparkling wine and holidays, but also movement toward success regardless of obstacles.
"We always wait for the New Year. We wait for it because our New Year's expectations are, at the very least, expectations of change, change for the better, if not miracles," he said in a prerecorded seasonal message aired on Channel One and Vesti news channel.
He said the Russian people should brace themselves for more work to overcome difficulties on their path to success.
"My wish is that these difficulties are only temporary, of a keeping-you-fit kind, and that they lead to success, but that our successes are tangible, grand, leading to a better life in all its aspects," Putin said.
MOSCOW, December 31 (RIA Novosti)