“In his New Year’s address to Russians, Russian ruler Vladimir Putin once again justified aggression against Ukraine, urged the population to participate in the war, and expressed confidence in his “victory”.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
Vladimir Putin. Photo: Getty Images Source: Putin’s New Year’s address
Details: In the speech, which lasted only 3 minutes and 20 seconds, Putin devoted a significant part of the speech to the participants of the so-called “special military operation” (this is how the Kremlin calls the war against Ukraine – ed.). Putin cynically stated that Russian troops invading the territory of a sovereign state are “fighting for truth and justice.”
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Putin talked about the popular support for the war and that all Russians “are mentally with the soldiers.”
At the same time, Putin did not mention a single word about the negotiation process, which indicates Russia’s determination to continue waging war.
Putin’s direct speech: “You have taken upon yourself the responsibility to fight for your native land, for truth and justice… We believe in you and our victory. Together we are one big family… Go forward only for the sake of our children and grandchildren, for the sake of our great Russia.”
Details: While Putin talks about “successes” and “unity”, the reality on the front for Russians looks different. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of December 31, 2025, the total losses of personnel of the Russian army (killed and wounded) amounted to 1.2 million people.
Even Russian journalists, who rely exclusively on data from open sources, were able to confirm by name the deaths of more than 155,000 Russian soldiers as of mid-December.
What preceded:
- Despite public statements about alleged readiness for negotiations, the Kremlin continues to plan military operations for years ahead.
- On December 16, Putin at the collegium of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation threatened “increase the offensive” if Ukraine does not capitulate.
- On December 31, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Valery Gerasimov announced Putin’s plans for 2026 – to expand the so-called “buffer zone” in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, which indicates intentions to continue terror against the civilian population of Ukraine.