By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In his New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized wartime unity and the continuation of the conflict, making no mention of peace talks or ending the war. The brief speech, delivered on December 31, focused on praising Russian soldiers and framing their actions within a narrative of patriotism and national defense. This year’s address starkly contrasted with his 2022 speech, highlighting a shift towards normalizing the war without acknowledging its human cost. Furthermore, just days before the New Year, Putin signed decrees solidifying the war’s integration into Russian daily life through year-round conscription and the utilization of reservists.
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Putin’s New Year speech lauds Russia’s war, makes no mention of peace in Ukraine, and it’s a stark reminder of the current reality. It seems a New Year’s message of any sort would be a departure from his usual rhetoric, but the absence of any reference to peace, particularly in the context of the ongoing war, speaks volumes. It’s hard to imagine a less festive sentiment to usher in the new year than a focus on military operations and a complete avoidance of the topic of peace.
The speech’s celebration of war is particularly jarring. We all know that Russia is embroiled in a brutal conflict, but to make this the central theme of a New Year’s address… it’s a very specific, and troubling, choice. It’s almost as if he’s attempting to normalize the conflict, to cement it in the collective consciousness as a permanent state of affairs. He’s not just talking about the military; he’s celebrating them. This isn’t just a soldier’s message; he’s essentially dedicating his New Year to the continuation of the “special military operation.”
It’s particularly striking that the address focused on supporting the soldiers involved in the operation. This gesture, while seemingly supportive, also subtly reinforces the idea that the war effort is the primary concern. In his world, the “special military operation” and the soldiers involved are the focus of his, and the nation’s, attention.
The complete absence of any mention of peace, of a desire for de-escalation, or of a diplomatic path forward is incredibly revealing. It signals a complete lack of interest in ending the conflict through negotiation. It is a clear indication that his goals extend far beyond what has been suggested publicly.
Considering the context, it’s worth noting that the “special military operation” has been ongoing for some time. Calling this the fifth wartime New Year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine shows the true nature of his actions.
It seems to me that Putin is operating within a completely different reality. There’s a sort of arrogance in this, the belief that his vision will somehow come to fruition. His perspective seems to be rooted in a distorted view of the world. It’s a reality where Russia is the victim, and Ukraine, along with the West, is the aggressor. The land Russia has taken is, in his eyes, rightfully Russian.
That his intentions are anything but peaceful is evident. A “peace” on his terms means Ukraine giving up its sovereignty and ceding territory. It means that Russia gets to keep what it has seized, which suggests anything but a genuine desire for resolution.
The speech also highlights a disturbing pattern: the manipulation of truth. While he claims to be bringing “joy and warmth,” his actions speak of violence and destruction. It’s a blatant disregard for the reality on the ground, a detachment from the suffering inflicted on both Ukrainians and Russians. It’s a sad state of affairs when words and actions are so drastically opposed.
The fact that these comments follow on the heels of reports about a Ukrainian operation that tricked Russia into believing in a death of a Russian commander only add insult to injury.
The speech felt like a confirmation of a reality we’ve come to know. There will be no peace as long as he remains in power. And the longer it drags on, the more devastating the consequences will be.
It all just shows that the world, and Russia, might be in for a long, painful year ahead.