Putin congratulates Obama with New Year

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent New Year greetings to the US president Barack Obama, the Kremlin press office said.

"It is a regret that the administration of US President Obama is ending its work in this way but, nevertheless, I congratulate him and the members of his family with the coming New Year," the Russian leader said in a statement.

"I congratulate both the president-elect, Donald Trump, and the entire US nation! I wish you to be well and prosper," Sputnik cited Putin as saying.