MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin said on Dec. 4 that Russia had endured a "difficult year" but he pledged that the country would pursue its independent foreign policy and economic objectives despite dogged Western efforts to weaken it.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
New York Times: Putin stresses foreign policy and economic goals after ‘difficult year’
A woman watches a TV set as Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual address to the Federal council in Stavropol on December 4, 2014.
