Speaking on the 25th anniversary of his rule, President Vladimir V. Putin delivered an upbeat and vague New Year’s Eve message that did not address casualties in Ukraine or rising inflation at home.

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,

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has posted a social media message claiming that 2025 will be the year of "victory" for his country as the war against Ukraine that his ally Vladimir Putin started continues to rage.

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.

Beijing has yet to announce the closing ceremony for its "Year of Friendship" with Pyongyang, a possible signal of disapproval.