President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, good afternoon. Happy New Year!
I asked the Defence Ministry to gather you here today in such a manner that you would represent various types and branches of the Armed Forces, different sectors of the line of engagement. Motorised riflemen, tank crews, air assault forces, special forces, marines, pilots, sailors from different sectors of the front should be here, as I understand.
I assume that we will have a calm conversation, and you will tell me how your service is going, and it will be my pleasure to congratulate you on the New Year once again and say these greetings. Happy New Year! I hope that after our meeting today, you will also, in turn, convey my best wishes to all your comrades-in-arms.
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