In an atmosphere of regret over the attack on Belgorod, Putin delivered his New Year message and affirmed that Russia “will become even stronger”.

(CNN) — Russian President Vladimir Putin praised those taking part in his “special military operation” in Ukraine and said Russia would “come even stronger”, in his New Year address to the nation, as several Russian cities declared that They are canceling the festivities in solidarity with the Belgorod attack.

“Today I want to address our servicemen, all those on combat duty who are at the forefront of the fight for truth and justice. You are our heroes,” Putin said.

He said, “We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and that we will never back down. Because there is no force that can divide us, we must remember the memory of our parents and “Can lose confidence and stunt our growth.” , “We are one country, one big family. We will guarantee the safe development of the motherland, the well-being of our citizens, we will be even stronger,” he said. “We are together. And this is the most reliable guarantee of Russia’s future.”

Putin’s New Year’s speech was broadcast to all 11 time zones in Russia just before midnight local time.

This year Putin addressed the nation with a traditional speech from the Kremlin. Last year he gave a speech surrounded by members of the military from the headquarters of Russia’s Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don, according to state news agency TASS.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also released his New Year message, congratulating the troops for their bravery and “selfless service”.

But despite optimistic messages from the country’s top leaders, the mood in many cities across the country this New Year’s Eve is somber after what Russian officials say was an attack by Ukrainian forces on the city of Belgorod that left people dead. At least 24 people were killed and 107 were injured.

Several Russian cities have canceled public events and gatherings in solidarity with the residents of Belgorod, where public events have also been cancelled.

The St. Petersburg authorities have decided not to hold a New Year’s concert on Palace Square as a sign of support for residents of the Belgorod region. According to TASS, Governor Alexander Beglov announced this.

“In half a day I received dozens of messages from residents with this request and I am sure that all of St. Petersburg will support this decision. All children’s holidays will be celebrated according to the calendar, no one will take away the holidays of our children,” Beglov said. Said.

According to TASS, he said he spoke to the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, and offered help.

Authorities in the western city of Penza also canceled New Year celebrations in the city center due to the Belgorod bombing, city Mayor Alexander Basenko announced on his Telegram channel.

“To show solidarity with our compatriots and their tragedy, we will reduce the city’s holiday schedule,” he said. The changes will not affect children’s events, but will affect the New Year’s Eve celebrations planned for Lenin Square. “The celebrations will be cancelled.”

According to TASS, the authorities of Suzdal, Vladimir region canceled New Year’s fireworks due to the shelling of Belgorod, the press service of the city administration reports.

All festive events in the border Buturlinovsky district of the Voronezh region were also canceled due to the shelling of Belgorod, TASS said, citing the district administration.

Vologda Mayor Sergei Voropanov announced that Vologda authorities also canceled New Year’s Eve festive events scheduled for January 1 and 2 on Kremlin Square following the Belgorod bombing. According to TASS, Voropanov said that the tragedy in Belgorod that occurred on December 30 did not leave anyone indifferent.