(Moscow) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday praised a “united” Russia that will “never back down” in his New Year’s speech, paying tribute to his soldiers without dwelling too much on Ukraine.
“We have proven time and again that we can solve the most difficult tasks and that we will never back down, because no force can divide us,” he said on television.
“Working for the common good united society,” he said, also assuring that the main element that brought its citizens together was “the destiny of the homeland.”
The Kremlin seeks to promote an image of unity around Vladimir Putin, before his inevitable re-election during the presidential election in March.
Although he did not mention the name of Ukraine, he made several allusions to the conflict, for example saluting Russian soldiers who are fighting for “truth and justice”.
“You are our heroes,” he told them almost two years after the start of the conflict, assuring them of the “support of the entire nation.”
But unlike last year, when the president appeared flanked by soldiers in uniform, this time he proclaimed that the year 2024 would be that of the “family”, in front of the traditional background of the Kremlin.
In 2023, “we firmly defended our national interests, our freedom and our security, our values,” he said in this speech broadcast first in the Russian Far East, taking into account the difference in time zones with Moscow.
“Even stronger”
Encouraged by the failure of the Ukrainian counter-offensive and the hesitation of Kyiv’s allies over the cost of their aid, Vladimir Putin appears more confident in recent months.
Convinced that the page of military setbacks in 2022 is now well turned, he recently promised the Russians victory in Ukraine.
However, the United States estimates the losses of its army at 315,000 soldiers wounded or dead.
Vladimir Putin must also face concerns caused by rising prices and the growing anger of families of mobilized soldiers, who are demanding their return.
On Sunday, he did not mention the attack the day before in the town of Belgorod, the deadliest for civilians in Russia since the start of the conflict.
He promised his fellow citizens that Russia, which is experiencing “a historic phase”, would be “even stronger” next year.
The president, on his way to a new six-year term, can theoretically remain in the Kremlin until 2036, the year he turns 84.
During his wishes last year, Vladimir Putin assured that “moral and historical correctness” was “on the side” of his country.