Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a recording of his annual televised New Year's message on New Year's eve in the Kremlin in Moscow, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Vladimir Putin’s New Year speech offered a subtle snub to Donald Trump’s claims that Russia wants peace in Ukraine . The Russian leader repeatedly praised the war – which Moscow refers to as the “special military operation” – during a three-minute celebratory address while avoiding any direct references to Ukraine. Praising Russian soldiers, he said: “We seek to bring joy and warmth to those in need of care and attention – and, of course, to support our heroes, the participants of the special military operation, with both words and deeds. “You have taken on the responsibility of fighting for your homeland, for truth and justice. “I assure you, millions of people across Russia are with you on this New Year’s night.” The president spoke of Russia’s allegedly impending “success”, alluding to his maximalist goals in Ukraine. He said: “All that we envision – our hopes and plans – will certainly come true. Of course, each of us has our own – personal, special, and unique in their own way. “But they are inseparable from the fate of our Motherland and from the sincere desire to serve it. After all, we are the people of Russia, together. “The work, success, and achievements of each of us compose new chapters in its thousand-year history.” He did not mention any kind of peace or settlement with Ukraine. The Kremlin has made clear in recent years that it sees Ukraine as Russian territory, or part of the “Motherland”. While boasting of his country’s success, Putin notably did not mention how Russia’s armed forces surpassed a million casualties in June 2025, nor how he has been forced to introduce year-round conscription to bolster his depleted army. His pro-war remarks come as US president Trump continues to push for peace in Ukraine, even if it means rewarding Russia for its aggression. During his latest meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy about US peace proposals, Trump told reporters: “Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed.” Trump also allegedly Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever” to peace, though “thorny” issues remain. The current US administration has repeatedly ignored how the war itself began when Putin invaded Ukraine in a land grab back in February 2022. Almost four years on, Russia controls approximately a fifth of Ukraine’s sovereign land – and Putin is still trying to seize more, and refusing to compromise on peace plans. Russia has also rejected any suggestions of a ceasefire, and Putin has continued to bombard Ukraine even amid frenzied international diplomatic efforts to end the war he started. Related... BBC Russia Expert Explains How Trump Is Boosting Putin's Determination To Defeat Ukraine Putin Has Put All Ukraine Peace Talks At Risk After Making 1 'Nonsense' Claim Putin Dealing With 'Growing Concern' Over Violence Of Russian Military Veterans, UK Warns