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.
Medvedev shared the post on his X, formerly Twitter, account with the message as a gif. In a separate video post on his Telegram channel, Medvedev also said that the outgoing year was one of "serious achievements" and referred to "those who are defending our homeland."
Newsweek has contacted the Kremlin for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine rolls into 2025 amid speculation over whether negotiations might take place between Moscow and Kyiv to end hostilities.
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would end the war quickly, which could mean a push to freeze the conflict. Medvedev's comments suggest the Kremlin's determination for a complete victory on the battlefield, however that is defined.
What To Know
At midnight Moscow time, Medvedev posted a gif of a fluttering Russian flag with text in English over the top of it.
"Happy New Year, world! Happy New Year beloved Russia! 2025, Year of the Great Victory," said the post which by Wednesday morning, had received over 116,000 views.
Medvedev, who is deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and was head of state between 2008 and 2012, also posted a video address on his Telegram channel with a similar theme.
He said in the two-minute clip that 2024 was a year "of very difficult trials" as well as "serious achievements" as he paid tribute to "those who are defending our homeland right now, fighting at the front" as well as those working in military production.
Describing 2025 as "the anniversary of the great victory" referring to Russia's World War II role in defeating Nazi Germany, Medvedev said "we draw strength and fortitude from the glorious history of Russia."
"We honor the traditions of the past in order to confidently move into the future," he added.
Medvedev also noted how Putin had declared 2025 as the "year of the defender of the Fatherland" during the Russian president's New Year's address.
Putin said in his televised address that "the thoughts, hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders."
Meanwhile, another ally of Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sent a message to the Russian president, saying that he wished 2025 "would be the year of victory in the war in the 21st century, when the army and people of Russia would defeat the neo-Nazis," according to the North Korean state news agency KCNA.
What People Are Saying
Dmitry Medvedev on X: "Happy New Year beloved Russia! 2025, Year of the Great Victory." On Telegram in a video message, he said, "we draw strength and fortitude from the glorious history of Russia."
Vladimir Putin's said in his New Year's address: "The thoughts, hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commanders."
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said: "(2025) would be the year of victory in the war in the 21st century, when the army and people of Russia would defeat the neo-Nazis and win a great victory."
What Happens Next
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that the tone of Putin's address showed the Kremlin's continued efforts to "militarize Russian society and maintain regime stability by appeasing the growing Russian veteran community."
Putin has approved an expansion of military-patriotic educational programs as part of his "Year of the Defender of the Fatherland" policies and to this end, he said that the year will honor current servicemen, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, as well as other veterans who fought for Russia.
Meanwhile, speculation will continue in the coming weeks over whether another Trump presidency could increase the chance of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/04/24/878/n/3019466/36c5693c662965c5d1ce91.72473705_.jpg)
English (US) ·