Unlike his remarks in 2022, his speech Tuesday did not mention Ukraine, omitting even his usual euphemism for the war as a “special military operation.”

President Vladimir Putin told Russians in a New Year address that the country would move forward with confidence in 2025, though he offered no specific promises on the economy or the war in Ukraine. At a time when many ordinary people are worried about rising prices and the central bank's 21% interest rate is squeezing businesses and homebuyers,

Dear friends, in just a few minutes 2025 will be ushered in, completing the first quarter of the 21st century,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in the televised remarks.

In a powerful New Year’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the enduring strength of the China-Russia partnership, vowing to continue fostering global peace and development.

Xi Jinping also said that he is ready to maintain close exchanges with President Putin to continue consolidating and deepening China-Russia ties.

North Korean President Kim Jong Un on Monday declared a "new high" in relations between North Korea and Russia and hoped for a Russian victory over Ukraine in 2025.

North Korea’s state media published the full text of a New Year’s letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Rodong Sinmun, a newspaper widely read by the public.