Russia 'Will Never Retreat': Putin's Brief Reference To Ukraine War In New Year Address

Ukraine was not mentioned by name, nor was the "special military operation," Putin's phrase for the conflict he launched by deploying Russia's armed forces into Ukraine in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source : PTI

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who faces an election in March, made just a brief allusion to his conflict in Ukraine in his New Year's message on Sunday, saluting his forces as heroes but stressing unity and shared determination, news agency PTI reported. The pre-recorded speech, which was broadcast shortly before midnight in each of Russia's 11 time zones, was a stark contrast to last year, when Putin stood behind grim-faced soldiers to deliver a solemn plea for sacrifice in what he portrayed as a war for survival.

"To everyone who is at a combat post, at the forefront of the fight for truth and justice: You are our heroes, our hearts are with you. We are proud of you, we admire your courage," Putin was quoted by PTI in its report. 

Ukraine was not mentioned by name, nor was the "special military operation," Putin's phrase for the conflict he launched by deploying Russia's armed forces into Ukraine in February 2022.

With all substantial opposition parties and political dissent repressed, the 71-year-old is certain to win the election and continue his 24-year reign.

However, now that the battle is essentially over, he has toned down his previously loud, patriotic discourse on Ukraine and focused more public attention on the economy and inflation, which are likely to be more important to voters.

"We have proven more than once that we can solve the most difficult problems and will never retreat, because there is no force that can divide us," he said.

There was no mention in his address of the hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers dead or injured, or of the conflict's recurring spillover onto home soil, as shown starkly in Saturday's Ukrainian offensive on the city of Belgorod, 34 kilometres (21 miles) from the border.

The late Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary squad, led an armed revolt in June, which was conspicuously excluded from Putin's address.

Putin, on the other hand, characterised Russia and its people as unified, supportive, and "firm in defending national interests, our freedom and security, and our values." 

"Working for the common good has united society," he said. "We are united in our thoughts, in work and in battle, on weekdays and holidays, showing the most important traits of the Russian people - solidarity, mercy, fortitude."