Vladimir Putin’s address:

Good evening, everyone. Hi there. Thank you. Thank you very much.

The anti-drug campaign began in Kaliningrad three weeks ago. Three weeks! Thousands participated. If, this campaign succeeds in stopping just one person from becoming addicted to drugs, from taking drugs, then that will already be our common victory. If, as the result of this campaign, just one person finds the strength to kick the habit – that too is a triumph.

I want to thank everyone who cares about the future of our country, and the health of every single individual. I would like to express my sincere congratulations to all those involved in staging these events.

It really is a scourge, and those who find themselves in trouble need to know that their friends and families are not indifferent to their predicament, to their future, that there are people who care – like the people who have gathered here today, and that the state also cares. There are always people ready to support them, lend a hand and help them get themselves out of this quicksand, this quagmire. Thank you very much for all that you do. God bless you.