Putin, in New Year Address, Makes Only Passing Reference to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual New Year's address to the nation, in Moscow, Russia, in this picture released Dec. 31, 2023. (Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an election in March, made only passing reference in his New Year address on Sunday to his war in Ukraine, hailing his soldiers as heroes but mostly emphasizing unity and shared determination.