UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 677 - DECEMBER 31, 2023

The Russian President Vladimir Putin used his annual New Year's address on December 31 to specify Russia's ideological priorities for the year 2024, not mentioning the war in Ukraine and instead focusing on setting the agenda for the upcoming year.

In contrast to last year's New Year's address, where Putin addressed the nation from the headquarters of the Southern Military District, surrounded by uniformed military personnel, and explicitly discussed Russia's goals in Ukraine, in his 2023 address Putin stands alone against the backdrop of the Kremlin and does not mention the "special military operation" at all. Instead, Putin briefly thanked the Russian military for their fight for "truth and justice" and emphasized national unity. Putin also declared 2024 as the "Year of the Family," emphasizing that the Russian family is the backbone of the "multinational Russian people" and that Russia is "a great country, a great family."

The complete Russian Offensive Update 677 is available directly at UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR