Putin Highlights War in New Year’s Address
In his New Year’s address broadcast on Russian television, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year. His remarks were first viewed by audiences in the Russian Far East on December 31. Putin specifically acknowledged Russian soldiers and commanders, referring to them as “heroes” for their commitment to fight for their homeland.
During the speech, he expressed support for these troops, stating, “We believe in you and our victory!” This portion of his message was consistent with past addresses, where he typically highlights themes of national history and unity. Putin underscored the importance of unity for the sovereignty, security, and future development of Russia.
Casualties of War
Notably absent from his speech was any mention of the Russian military casualties in Ukraine. By mid-December 2025, investigations by the BBC’s Russian service and Meduza, with volunteer assistance, identified 155,368 confirmed deaths of Russian servicemen related to the invasion. This figure only represents those who could be identified, and experts suggest the actual death toll may exceed 200,000 to 300,000.
According to estimates from the Ukrainian General Staff, as of December 30, more than 1.2 million Russian personnel were reported killed or injured due to the ongoing aggression.
Continued Military Engagement
At the end of December, during a meeting with military leadership, Putin accused Ukraine of instigating the war and of refusing to seek a peaceful resolution. He reinforced Russia’s willingness to tackle all assigned tasks through military means, indicating a commitment to continue the conflict.
- Date of Address: December 31, 2025
- Identified Russian Military Casualties: 155,368
- Estimated Total Deaths: 200,000 – 300,000+ (experts’ estimates)
- Ukrainian Casualty Estimate: Over 1.2 million (killed and wounded)
