35 thousand people have recently come to Manezhnaya Square, where a concert and the Russia, Sevastopol, Crimea rally took place. Many famous artists took part, and Vladimir Putin addressed the crowd.
Stanislav Bernwald has the details.
"Russia!"
"Russia!"
"Russia!"
"Russia!"
Vladimir Putin: "Thanks!"
Together with thousands of Russians who came to Manezhnaya Square and millions across the country, the head of state chants: "Russia! Russia!" Before the final results are announced, it's already clear that the Russian people have made their choice. The President thanks them for their support.
Vladimir Putin: "Dear friends, thanks for coming here, to the center of the capital, on this chilly Moscow evening. Thank you very much for your support. I want to address both those who are here today and our supporters across our huge country. Thank you very much for the result. The strength of our country is in unity, that's how Russia will continue to develop, the president says. We are a real team — a team of winners. It's thanks to you that we have such a strong team composed of millions of citizens. Success is ahead of us, right?
It's very important to preserve this unity, my dear friends. It's very important to win over those who voted for other candidates. We need this unity to move forward. For this, we must feel the elbow and the shoulder of every citizen of the country".
The Russians who came to Manezhnaya Square to support the president speak about unity too. They say that the cold is not a hindrance, they stick together, that's why it's warmer.
"Never look back!"
"Russia!"
"Hurray! Hurray!"
"Russia's officers!"
"Putin's team, yeah!"
"Motherland, freedom, Putin!"
"Motherland, freedom, Putin!"
All the performers said that today Russians chose their tomorrow. People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Tsiskaridze cast his ballot in the Far East in the city of Artem, and in the evening, he went to Manezhnaya Square straight from the airport.
Nikolai Tsiskaridze, People's Artist of Russia: "Like everybody here, I'm sure that a strong president means a strong Russia. Long live our country! May blessings and well-being come upon us. I'm confident in my choice, I know that the strongest will win".
Anton Shkaplerov, a cosmonaut that happens to be from Crimea, also gave his greetings from the ISS. By the way, the turnout in space was 100%.
Anton Shkaplerov: "Today is a double holiday for me. Today is the 4th anniversary of the reunification of my Crimea, my Sevastopol, with Russia. And this vote is the first one for the Crimean people. It's the first time they have elected a Russian president. I am sure that, just like 4 years ago, they will come to the polling stations and vote together, patriotic and united".
Artists and movie stars dedicated their songs and poems to the Crimean coast, so warm and beloved by all Russians. 4 years ago Crimea returned to its native harbor. Much has been done over this time, but there is still a lot to be done.
“The Sevastopol waltz
is remembered by all seamen.
How can I forget such glorious days?”
Stanislav Bernwald, Vesti.
