Amid deploring the attack on Belgorod, Putin delivers his New Year's message and affirms that Russia “will be stronger.”

(CNN) — Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine and said in his New Year's address to the country that Russia “will be even stronger” as many Russian cities announced the cancellation of festivities. In solidarity with the attack on Belgorod.

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

“We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and never back down. Because there is no force that can separate us, because we lose the memory and faith of our parents and hinder our growth,” he said. . “We are one country, one big family. We will guarantee the safe development of the homeland, the well-being of our citizens, and we will be stronger,” he said. “We are together. This is the most reliable guarantee of Russia's future.”

Putin's New Year's address was broadcast in all 11 time zones of Russia just before midnight local time.

People place flowers, toys and candles at the site of an attack in Belgorod, Russia on December 31, 2023. (Credit: Emil Liekunov/Anatolu via Getty Images)

This year, Putin addressed the nation with a traditional address from the Kremlin. Last year, he spoke from Rostov-on-Don, the headquarters of Russia's Southern Military District, surrounded by members of the military, state news agency TASS reported.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu released his New Year's message, congratulating the military on its bravery and “selfless service”.

But despite upbeat messages from the country's top leaders, the mood this New Year's Eve is grim in many cities across the country following a Ukrainian military attack on the city of Belgorod in which Russian officials say people have been killed. At least 24 people died and 107 were injured.

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

As a sign of support for the residents of the Belgorod region, St. Petersburg authorities have decided not to hold a New Year's concert on Palace Square. This was announced by Governor Alexander Beklov, TASS reported.

“In half a day I received dozens of messages from residents with this request, I believe that all of St. Petersburg will support this decision. All children's holidays will be celebrated according to the calendar, and no one will take away the holidays from us. Children,” Beklov said.

He said he spoke with the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Kladko, and offered help, according to TASS.

Tribute to victims of Ukraine attack in Belgorod, Russia (Emil Likunov/Anatolu via Getty Images)

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

“In solidarity with our comrades and their grief, we will curtail the city's holiday program. The changes will not affect children's events, but planned New Year's Eve celebrations on Lenin Square will be cancelled,” he said.

Authorities in Sustal, Vladimir region, canceled New Year's fireworks due to shelling of Belgorod, the city administration's news service Tass reported.

TASS cited the district administration as saying that all festive events were canceled in Puturlinovsky District, bordering Voronezh Region, due to the shelling of Belgorod.

Vologda Mayor Sergey Vorobanov announced that the authorities of Vologda had also canceled New Year's Eve festivities planned for January 1 and 2 on Kremlin Square after the bombing of Belgorod. According to Tass, Vorobanov noted that the tragedy in Belgorod on December 30 did not leave anyone indifferent.