Putin Vows Resilience in Defiant New Year's Eve Message

In a New Year's Eve address, President Vladimir Putin praised the Russian army and called for national unity, avoiding direct mention of the war in Ukraine. The speech, which marks a departure from last year's military-centric presentation, focused on the theme of "the year of the family" for 2024. Putin expressed support for Russian soldiers and emphasized the country's strength and resilience during a significant "historical stage," promising the development and well-being of Russia. The address is a long-standing tradition watched by millions across Russia's 11 timezones.