Putin Defiant in New Year's Address, Praises Army and Vows Persistence over Ukraine

In his New Year's Eve address, Russian President Vladimir Putin made only a brief mention of the conflict in Ukraine, focusing instead on themes of unity and determination. He praised Russian soldiers as heroes without directly naming Ukraine or referring to the war as a "special military operation." Putin's speech, which comes ahead of a March election he is expected to win, shifted away from his previous nationalistic rhetoric on Ukraine to address domestic issues like the economy and inflation. Despite the ongoing war and internal challenges, Putin emphasized the strength and unity of the Russian people and their commitment to national interests.