President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year's address that 2022 was marked "by truly pivotal, fateful events" for Russia as it launched its offensive in Ukraine, reported AFP.

Putin added that "a real sanctions war was declared" on Russia but a "total destruction of our industry, finances, transport" didn't happen.

The Russian leader delivered his traditional midnight address standing among soldiers who fought in Ukraine, according to the presidential press service.

“This year was marked by truly pivotal, fateful events. They became the frontier that lays the foundation for our common future, of our true independence. Today we are fighting for this, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation,” he said.

“This year a real sanctions war was declared on us. Those who started it expected the total destruction of our industry, finances, transport,” he added.

“That didn't happen, because all together we created a reliable safety margin. What we have done and are doing in this domain, all of this is aimed at strengthening our sovereignty in a crucial field, the economy.”

“The West was lying about peace while getting ready for an aggression and admits this today without shame, openly. Ukraine and its people, they [the West, ed.] cynically use [Ukraine and its people, ed.] to weaken and divide Russia. We have never let and will not let anyone do this,” Putin lastly noted.