Putin Expresses Confidence in Ukraine Victory in New Year's Address

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a brief New Year's Eve address on Wednesday, devoting only a small portion to the ongoing war in Ukraine while expressing confidence in Russia's eventual victory, as the conflict nears its fourth anniversary.

Speaking against the backdrop of the Kremlin's outer walls, Putin addressed Russian soldiers and commanders directly, stating they were shouldering the responsibility of defending their homeland, truth, and justice. "We believe in you and our victory," he said, adding that millions of Russians were thinking of the fighters at this moment. The speech, which aired shortly before midnight across Russia's 11 time zones starting in the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula, lasted just over three minutes. Putin otherwise focused on themes of national unity and a shared future, describing Russia as one big family striving for progress.

The address marked the 26th anniversary of Putin assuming the presidency on December 31, 1999, following Boris Yeltsin's unexpected resignation during his own New Year's message. The annual tradition, which dates back to Soviet leaders, has long served as a key moment for Russian presidents to reflect national...