Putin's New Year Message: Let New Year bring changes for the better

Russia, Jan 01: "Let the New Year bring changes for the better in the life of every person and every family," Putin told Russians in a speech aired by state television and reported by Russian agencies.

He wished his compatriots "changes for the better" in 2018 in his traditional televised New Year’s address Sunday.

Residents of the country's most easternly region of Kamchatka will be the first to hear the speech that is shown a few minutes before midnight in each of Russia's eleven time zones.

The Russian leader addressed "special wishes" to "all of those who are working now, fulfilling their military or professional duty," agencies reported.

He also thanked Russians for "believing in themselves and in our country."

He also wished "peace and prosperity to our great Russia, the dear and only one."