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Vladimir Putin gives final New Year's Eve address

Russians celebrate New Year's Day at Red Square in Moscow with the Kremlin and St. Basil's cathedral in the background early yesterday. Tens of thousands of people gathered at Red Square to welcome the new year, shoot fireworks and cheer as the clock on the Kremlin's Spassky Tower struck midnight. PHOTO: AP

Vladimir Putin, in the final New Year's Eve address of his eight-year presidency, boasted of economic improvements and claimed to have restored a sense of unity among Russians, who are likely to see him stay in power as prime minister after he steps down in a few months.

Putin, who has played to the people in repeated appearances on state-run television, emphasized that ordinary Russians deserve credit for the country's remarkable upswing.

"I want to sincerely thank you for everything we have done together," Putin said in brief remarks broadcast, by tradition, just before the clock on the Kremlin's Spassky tower struck midnight. "All that we have achieved would have been simply impossible without your steadfast support, without your trust, without your direct participation in the revival of our country," he said.

"We have not only restored Russia's territorial integrity," he said, referring to the abated threat from Chechen separatism, "but once again we feel we are a united people."

"We have not only restored Russia's territorial integrity, but once again we feel we are a united people."

Vladimir Putin, Russian president

Putin came to power exactly eight years ago, when his predecessor Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly stepped down on Dec. 31, 1999, making him acting president. He was elected three months later, and Russia has enjoyed an economic resurgence -- fueled largely by rising prices for its abundant supplies of oil and natural gas -- during his two terms as president.

"We have seen how, from year to year, Russia has become stronger, how our economy has grown and new opportunities have opened up for the people," Putin said.

Constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in March 2 elections, Putin has maneuvered to retain power after his term ends in May. He is set to become prime minister if his favored successor, longtime aide Dmitry Medvedev, is elected president -- a virtual certainty given Putin's popularity and the Kremlin's control over politics and the media.

Putin steered clear of politics in the address. But he made a veiled reference to his party's victory in Dec. 2 parliamentary elections, which he has cast as a strong vote of trust in himself and support for his policies.

"To be sure, we have not managed to do everything. But I am quite certain that the road the people have chosen for Russia is the right road and that it will lead to success," Putin said. "We have everything [needed] to achieve our goal: Our great history, colossal resources, courage, and the industriousness and intellectual potential of our great people."
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