Wed Dec 31 14:15:40 UTC 2025: News Article:
Putin Vows Victory in Ukraine as He Marks 26 Years in Power
Moscow – In his annual New Year’s Eve address, President Vladimir Putin asserted his confidence in Russia’s victory in Ukraine, urging citizens to support the troops engaged in the ongoing conflict. The speech coincided with the 26th anniversary of Putin assuming the presidency, succeeding Boris Yeltsin in 1999.
Putin’s remarks come amidst continued fighting and international efforts to broker peace. He called on Russians to stand behind their “heroes” fighting in Ukraine, where Moscow’s forces have been engaged in a large-scale offensive since February 2022.
The speech comes amid heightened tensions and accusations. Russia alleges Ukraine attempted to attack one of Putin’s residences with drones, a claim Kyiv denies, labeling it a fabricated “false flag” operation. Despite the alleged attack, the Kremlin insists peace negotiations will continue, though with a firmer stance.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has accused Russia of attempting to sabotage peace talks with unfounded claims. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drone attacks injured six people, including children, in Odesa, damaging apartment buildings and energy infrastructure.
In northeastern Ukraine, Russia’s top general said its forces are pushing forward in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions to expand a buffer zone near the Russian border, a move Kyiv has rejected.
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