(Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin made a New Year address that barely mentioned the war in Ukraine, focusing instead on unity and determination as he faces an upcoming election in March. This was a stark contrast to his address last year, where he stood with soldiers and called for sacrifice in what he portrayed as a fight for survival.
In his pre-recorded address, aired just before midnight in each of Russia’s 11 time zones, Putin praised soldiers as heroes and emphasized unity, with no specific mention of Ukraine or the ongoing conflict there.
With opposition suppressed and a lack of political dissent, Putin is expected to win the upcoming election and extend his 24 years in power. Despite this, he has recently shifted his focus from the war to addressing economic issues, likely to appeal more directly to voters.
There was no mention of the estimated hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers killed or wounded, nor the conflict’s spilling over into Russian territory, as seen in the recent Ukrainian attack near the border. The armed mutiny in June by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was also absent from Putin’s speech.
Instead, Putin highlighted unity, support, and firm defense of national interests, values, and freedom, portraying the Russian people as united and resolute.
He emphasized the importance of working for the common good, solidarity, mercy, and fortitude, and the unity of Russian society in thoughts, work, and battle, on both weekdays and holidays. These, according to Putin, are the most important traits of the Russian people.
Overall, Putin’s New Year address reflected a shift in focus away from the war in Ukraine and towards issues likely to resonate more with voters as he prepares for the upcoming election.
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
