Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, December 31 (Xinhua) — Ahead of the upcoming New Year 2026, Xinhua asked passersby on the streets of Moscow to find out what the past year was like for them and what they wish for the new year.
"Happy," "successful," "fulfilling"—these are the adjectives many Xinhua interviewees used to describe 2025. "I was happy this year because all my children were healthy, everyone was working, studying, and doing what they loved," Olga said with a warm smile. Now retired, she previously worked as an elementary school teacher for over ten years. Olga is well acquainted with many Chinese students who come to study in Russia and communicates with them frequently. She says this interaction has also become a source of great happiness for her.
For Alexandra, who has been studying Chinese for three years, success stems primarily from her progress in mastering the language. "2025 was a very eventful year. I attended several Chinese-related events, which filled me with immense happiness," she said. For her, the happiness of the past year stemmed not only from family joys but also from her professional successes.
However, for some of Xinhua's interviewees, 2025 had a different flavor. "Unknown," "difficult," and "many challenges" were also mentioned in their responses. For 32-year-old Ilya, 2025 was a time of great trials. Working as a procurement specialist, he faced a series of changes, including a new position, new responsibilities, and a number of professional challenges that needed to be overcome for career advancement. "The volume of work increased exponentially, plus the responsibility increased, resulting in increased anxiety, and I had to somehow cope with it," he noted.
The feeling of anxiety is familiar not only to Ilya but to many in Russia. According to a popular vote, Russian internet users chose "anxiety" as the word of the year.
"It was a mixed year, with many unpleasant surprises. But there were also many good things, and I learned a lot. I learned from various situations," shared 19-year-old Moscow student Stepan. The young man is studying to be a jeweler and dreams of opening his own workshop. However, the path to his dream has proven particularly challenging this year. He hopes to achieve success in his field in the future. "I'm trying to work on myself and perfect my craft," Stepan added confidently.
Although each of Xinhua's interviewees described 2025 differently, when asked about their New Year's wish, the overwhelming majority cited the same word: "peace." "Peace. It's peace throughout the world," answered Anton from Belgorod. "Peace. I think that's the common wish of many people lately," added his wife, Elizaveta. "I believe there will be peace soon," Stepan expressed hope.
By expressing their hopes and dreams, Russians believe in their possibility. Olga sincerely wished everyone for all their wishes to come true. "May everyone find happiness and love. After all, it's impossible to live without love, so may everyone love and be loved," she said.
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