“The inhumane terrorist acts in Volgograd” were among the biggest challenges Russia faced in 2013, Putin said in his Tuesday night address that was broadcast minutes before the New Year. RT reported.

He further asserted, “In the time of challenges Russia always stood united and solid.” 

At least 34 people have been killed and over 80 injured in two suicide blasts in Russia’s southern city of Volgograd on December 29 and 30, with President Putin stating, “We bend our head before the victims of the violent terrorist attacks.”

“We’ll lead a confident, tough and consistent battle against the terrorists until their full elimination,” he pledged.

The statement followed the deployment of some 5,200 police forces to Volgograd to check traffic and inspect public transport following two bomb blasts on Sunday and Monday.

Police have started sweeps throughout the city, detaining 87 people.

There have been no claims of responsibility for the blasts, which came ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, scheduled to be held in February.

Russia has been fighting militants since the mid-1990s in its North Caucasus region, where the republics of Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia have been the scene of sporadic attacks and militant clashes.

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