In a resolute New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a clear message both to Western nations and to his troops: Russia will not retreat in its military efforts in Ukraine.

As the clock struck midnight in Russia’s far eastern regions, ushering in the year 2026, Putin expressed a steadfast commitment to victory in the ongoing conflict, which has stretched on for nearly four years. He lauded Russian soldiers for their efforts, painting the war as essential for the nation’s survival, even as the United States ramps up its diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence.

“We believe in you and our victory,” Putin declared in a speech that was broadcast nationwide and subsequently released by the Kremlin on Wednesday. Directly addressing the troops, he extended congratulations to “all our soldiers and commanders,” pledging unwavering support for what Moscow continues to refer to as its “special military operation.”

An image of Russian President Vladimir Putin delivering his New Year’s address from the Kremlin accompanied his remarks, reinforcing the message of resolve in the war in Ukraine. (East2West)

Putin framed the conflict as a defense of Russia’s homeland and a battle for “truth and justice.” This rhetoric underlined his determination to continue the military campaign, despite facing significant casualties and growing international pressure to seek peace.

In a separate message, ex-President Dmitry Medvedev — Putin’s security council deputy — said of victory in Ukraine: “I sincerely believe that it is near.” Echoing Putin, he spoke of “our great and invincible Russia.”

The defiant tone comes as the war approaches grim milestones. On Jan. 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 Feb. 24, the conflict will enter its fourth year. Western estimates place the number of killed and wounded at more than 1 million — a figure the Kremlin disputes.

The mother of a Russian soldier who was killed in a military action in Ukraine, kneels near a planted tree in memory of her son at the Alley of Heroes in Sevastopol, Crimea, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. (AP Photo)

Putin’s rhetoric stood in sharp contrast to renewed diplomatic activity led by Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Sunday, as the White House explores possible paths to end Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands at a news conference following a 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 separately reported that Trump and Zelenskyy discussed potential U.S. troop involvement as part of broader security guarantees, though no decisions were announced.