Putin: Russia Will “Move Forward” Confidently in 2025

In a New Year’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Russian soldiers fighting in the war in Ukraine, calling them “real heroes,” but did not go into detail about the state of the conflict or predict how the situation on the battlefield will evolve in 2025, unlike in his past New Year’s addresses since the launch of the military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

The speech comes at a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with Russia making military progress and US President-elect Donald Trump promising a swift ceasefire upon taking office.

Putin’s message was broadcast at midnight in every time zone across Russia, starting from Kamchatka and Chukotka in the far east. In the televised speech, Putin said, “Dear friends, the year 2025 will arrive in just a few minutes, ending the first quarter of the 21st century.” He added, “Yes, we still have many things to decide, but we have the right to be proud of what has already been achieved,” noting that the past 25 years paved the way for “further development.”

Putin was appointed acting president on New Year’s Eve in 1999 when Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, apologizing for the turmoil Russia experienced after the collapse of the Soviet Union, in a speech that shocked Russians. Putin explained that Russia had strengthened its unity in the first quarter of the 21st century, achieved important goals, and passed tests. He said, “Now, as we approach the new year, we think about the future. We are confident that everything will be fine, we will only move forward. We know for sure that the essential value for us is, and will remain, the fate of Russia and the well-being of its citizens.”

In turn, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to promote “world peace” in a message to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for the new year, according to official media reports on Tuesday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi said, “Regardless of changes in the international situation, China will remain committed to deepening comprehensive reforms… and promoting global peace and development.” Xi also told Putin, “In the face of rapid developments unseen for a century, along with a turbulent international situation, China and Russia have consistently moved forward hand in hand along the right path of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.” The two leaders share a strong personal relationship, with Xi referring to Putin as “my best friend,” while Putin has expressed pride in his “reliable partner.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un described Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “dearest friend,” according to state media, praising the close bilateral ties between their countries. Referring to the war in Ukraine, Kim also expressed hope that 2025 would be the year in which the Russian army and people would “defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory.”