MOSCOW, December 31 (Sputnik) — All Russian citizens should take the credit for the successful staging of the best Winter Olympics in history, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his New Year address.
"Only a few years ago, the Sochi Olympics was considered a dream. But not only did it come true, not only did we prepare for and host the best Winter Olympics in history, but came out the victors," Putin said in the address.
The Russian president added that, "All of our citizens, including our Olympic athletes and those who supported them deserve credit for this victory."
The Sochi games were the first Winter Olympics hosted by Russia. The only other Olympics were hosted in the summer of 1980 in Moscow, when it was hosted by the USSR and boycotted by several Western nations.
Russia won the most gold medals in the Sochi Olympics, as well as the most medals in total.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also said that Crimea's reunification with Russia in March will always be the most important milestone in country's history.
"Love for the Motherland is one of the most powerful, uplifting feelings. It manifested to the full extent in the brotherly support of Crimea and Sevastopol residents, when they firmly decided to return home. This event will always be the most important milestone in the country's history," Putin said.
Putin also expressed sincere gratitude to the Russian people for "cohesion and solidarity, the deepest sense of truth, dignity, responsibility for the country's destiny and for the continued readiness to defend the interests of the country."
Crimea seceded from Ukraine and rejoined Russia in March. The move was backed by an overwhelming 96 percent majority in a referendum on March 16.
