Russian President Vladimir Putin used his New Year’s speech to deliver a blunt message to the West and to his own troops: Russia will not withdraw from Ukraine.
As 2026 dawned in Russia’s far eastern regions, Putin vowed victory in the nearly four-year war, praising Russian soldiers and describing the conflict as a fight for the nation’s survival — even as the United States steps up diplomatic efforts to end the bloodshed.
“We believe in you and our victory,” Putin said in a speech broadcast nationally and released by the Kremlin on Wednesday. Addressing the troops directly, he congratulated “all our soldiers and commanders” and pledged continued support for what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”
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Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his New Year’s speech from the Kremlin, promising victory in the war in Ukraine. (East2West)
Putin has portrayed the war as a fight for Russia’s homeland, “truth and justice,” demonstrating determination to continue despite mounting losses and international pressure.
In a separate message, former President Dmitry Medvedev – Putin’s Security Council deputy – said of victory in Ukraine: “I sincerely believe it is close.” Following Putin, he spoke of ‘our great and invincible Russia’.
The defiant tone sounds as the war approaches grim milestones. On January 12, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will surpass the 1,418 days the Soviet Union fought Nazi Germany in Europe during World War II. On February 24, the conflict will enter its fourth year. Western estimates put the number of dead and injured at more than a million – a figure disputed by the Kremlin.
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The mother of a Russian soldier killed in military action in Ukraine kneels at a tree planted in memory of her son in the Alley of Heroes in Sevastopol, Crimea, Saturday, February 25, 2023. (AP photo)
Putin’s rhetoric was in stark contrast to the renewed diplomatic activity led by Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump on Sunday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, as the White House explores possible paths to end Europe’s biggest land war since World War II.
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US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands at a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on December 28, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
After the meeting, Trump said Ukraine and Russia were “closer than ever” to peace, while acknowledging that major obstacles – particularly territorial disputes – remain unresolved. Reuters reported separately that Trump and Zelenskyy discussed the possible involvement of US troops as part of broader security assurances, although no decisions were announced.
Reuters contributed to this report.
