Putin's New Year speech lauds Russia's war, makes no mention of peace in Ukraine
The Kyiv Independent••world
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin's New Year's speech on December 31 marked the fifth wartime address since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing unity and readiness to continue fighting without mentioning peace or ending the war in 2026.
- The 3-minute and 20-second speech praised Russian soldiers involved in the "special military operation," highlighting their sacrifice and role in defending the nation, while avoiding direct references to Ukraine or peace talks.
- Putin's 2026 address contrasts with his longer 2022 speech, which framed the war as a defensive response to Western hostility and was delivered from a military command post, reflecting a shift toward normalizing the conflict.
- The speech embedded the war within broader themes of patriotism and historical mission
