‘We believe in our victory’: Russian President Putin gives big statement after attack on home amid escalating Russia-Ukraine war

Russia-Ukraine war: In a major update amid the ongoing escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war with Ukraine’s attack on the home of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian President has delivered his traditional New Year’s Eve address. Expressing confidence in Russia’s victory in Ukraine, the President has said, “We believe in you and our victory,” he said, urging Russians to “support our heroes” fighting in Ukraine. The speech was first aired in the far-eastern Kamchatka peninsula, the first Russian region to enter 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year speech

Amid the rising tensions between the historic neigbhours, Putin also extended New Year greetings to Russian “fighters and commanders” in Ukraine, saying “Millions of people across Russia, trust me, are thinking of you”. This comes as Russia’s military continues its offensive in Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year.

Ukraine launches drones at Putin’s residence claims Russia

The drone attack by the Ukrainian armed forces on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region was launched from Sumy and Chernihiv regions, Major General Alexander Romanenkov, Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ Anti-Aircraft Missile Troops, a report carried by IANS said.

“At around 7:20 p.m. on December 28, an air attack using unmanned aerial vehicles was discovered from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine,” Russian media outlet Izvestia quoted Romanenkov as saying on Wednesday.

Ukraine’s attack was targeted, meticulously planned, and multi-layered. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, its air defence assets destroyed all Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) aimed at the presidential residence.

(With inputs from agencies)