Putin Vows Victory in Ukraine as Trump-Backed Peace Talks Continue
In his New Year’s address from the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed victory in Ukraine, framing the conflict as a defense of Russia’s homeland, truth, and justice. He reaffirmed continued support for the so-called 'special military operation' and congratulated Russian soldiers and commanders, maintaining a defiant stance amid mounting international pressure and ongoing Western-led diplomacy.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy of the security council, expressed optimism by stating that victory in Ukraine is near. The conflict has reached significant milestones, with January 12 marking 1,418 days since Russia’s invasion and February 24 approaching the start of its fourth year. While Western estimates report casualties exceeding one million, the Kremlin disputes these figures.
Amidst these developments, diplomacy efforts accelerated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meeting former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Trump indicated that Ukraine and Russia are closer to peace, despite major obstacles regarding territorial disputes. Reuters reported that Trump and Zelenskyy discussed the potential involvement of U.S. troops as part of broader security guarantees, though no official decisions have been announced.
The report also highlighted Moscow’s efforts to deepen ties with Iran amid the ongoing diplomatic activity and the broader war context.
