Still, Putin refrained from giving a concrete outlook on the war in Ukraine, or the path of the Russian economy going forward. He also did not mention Russia's inflation struggles

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.