MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told soldiers fighting on the front lines that Moscow remains confident of prevailing in Ukraine, even as the conflict stretches into yet another year with no clear end in sight.
In a brief New Year address aired first in the Kamchatka peninsula, the easternmost Russian region to usher in 2026, Putin praised the troops engaged in the war as “heroes” and sought to project resolve after nearly four years of fighting, according to The Moscow Times.
Addressing what he described as Russia’s “fighters and commanders”, the president said, “We believe in you and our victory.”
The message was broadcast as Russia marked its main public holiday against the backdrop of a protracted and costly conflict.