- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s future in his New Year address, praising Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
- The address comes amid a critical point in the Ukraine conflict, with Russia gaining ground and the US promising a swift ceasefire under President-elect Donald Trump.
- On New Year’s Day, Russia launched a major drone attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, injuring at least six people.
- The ongoing conflict and the incoming US administration’s promise of a swift ceasefire sets the stage for a potentially transformative year in 2025.
In a New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s future, stating that the country would continue to move forward in 2025. He emphasized Russia’s achievements during his quarter-century in power and expressed confidence in the country’s future. We are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward. We know for sure that the absolute value for us was, is and will be the fate of Russia, the wellbeing of its citizens,” Putin said.
The Russian president also paid tribute to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, describing them as heroes. “We are proud of your courage and bravery. We believe in you,” he said. He declared 2025 as the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in Russia, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the great victory and as a tribute to the memory of the ancestors who fought for the motherland.
The address came at a critical juncture in the nearly three-year conflict, with Russia steadily advancing on the battlefield. The conflict has seen a shift in the balance of power, with Russia gaining ground and the US promising a swift ceasefire once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The Global Response and Impact
In addition to the primary source of information, several other news sources provided relevant context and updates. For instance, Al Jazeera reported that the Russian president avoided discussing the war’s trajectory in his address. Instead, he emphasized the country’s achievements and the challenges it has overcome. “We still have a lot to decide, but we can rightfully be proud of what has already been done. This is our common heritage, a reliable foundation for further development. Our country – independent, free and strong – was able to respond to the most difficult challenges,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Independent reported a major drone attack on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on New Year’s Day, launched by Russia. More than 100 drones targeted the city in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the rest of the world was celebrating the arrival of 2025. At least six people, including a pregnant woman, were among the injured, city officials said. The attack comes amid concerns over the direction of the war, which is set to reach its third anniversary in February.
In his New Year’s message, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said he had no doubt incoming US president Donald Trump was capable of achieving peace. This statement reflects the hope for a resolution to the conflict under the new US administration.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Conflict
In another development, the first pair of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, which will be used to train Polish fighter pilots, arrived at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This marks a significant milestone for the state, the nation, and the allies who will train on this fifth-generation fighter at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.