PUTIN: RUSSIAN SOLDIERS WILL NOT LET RUSSIA DOWN

MOSCOW, AUGUST 22 /SRNA – RIA Novosti/ — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he was confident that Russian soldiers would not let Russia down, stressing that the entire country stands behind them.

"So much now depends on our unity, the courage of Russian soldiers and officers, and everyone who conscientiously performs their duties and contributes to victory. I am confident that our soldiers will not let us down," Putin said in an address to the 23rd Congress of the United Russia party.

He stressed that all of Russia stands behind the soldiers - workers' collectives, factories, industrial enterprises, rural workers, scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers and volunteers.

Putin thanked everyone for such unity, their devotion to the motherland, military service and hard work.