MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The president added that Russians were united despite any difficulties, that they understood the roots of the problems and were ready to work for their solution.
"People have united, and we see it, we must thank our citizens, patriotic values have united people… The readiness to work for Russia, the sincere heartfelt care for it, that is what is in the core of this unity," Putin said during his annual address to the Russian parliament.
"We will go about our economic objectives in the social sphere, in our foreign and domestic policies. We will pay more attention to the economy, to social issues an domestic policies. We have to address these challenges in difficult and exceptional circumstances as has often been throughout history. And the Russian people have conclusively proven that they are capable of facing difficult challenges, of upholding and defending national interests, the country's sovereignty and independent orientation," Putin said during his annual address to the Russian parliament.
