In his annual televised New Year's Eve speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin directly addressed the troops engaged in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, expressing unwavering belief in them and in ultimate victory. He framed the nearly four-year-old war as a pivotal part of Russia's existential struggle against the West.
Rallying Cry to the Troops
Broadcast first in Russia's far east on December 31, the address saw President Vladimir Putin, dressed in a black coat, speak to the nation's destiny and unity. He stated this unity guarantees the sovereignty and security of the "Fatherland." His primary focus, however, was on the soldiers fighting in Ukraine, whom he called heroes.
"Millions of people across Russia — I assure you — are with you on this New Year’s Eve," Putin declared. "They are thinking of you, empathising with you, hoping for you. I wish all our soldiers and commanders a happy coming New Year! We believe in you and our Victory!"
Alleged Attacks and Battlefield Claims
The speech coincided with the Russian release of video footage purportedly showing a downed drone. Moscow presented this as evidence that Ukraine attempted to attack a presidential residence earlier in the week. Kyiv has dismissed these allegations as a lie intended to derail ongoing peace talks.
In a separate development from Wednesday, December 29, Russia's top general instructed troops to continue carving out buffer zones in Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions. He also asserted that Moscow's forces had advanced faster in December 2025 than in any other month of the year. Reuters could not independently verify this battlefield claim.
The Broader Context of the Conflict
This rhetoric comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is attempting to broker an end to what is considered Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War Two. Despite these efforts, the negotiating positions of both Russia and Ukraine remain significantly far apart. Russian forces continue to make slow but steady advances on the ground in Ukraine, as the war approaches its fourth year.
The New Year's address serves as a clear indication that the Kremlin remains committed to its military objectives, rallying domestic support while presenting the war as a defensive and necessary battle for national survival against Western opposition.
