Overview
- Putin congratulated soldiers and commanders and pledged victory, telling Russians to support participants in the "special military operation."
- He framed national unity as decisive for Russia’s sovereignty, security and future, presenting the war effort as a shared responsibility.
- Security Council deputy Dmitry Medvedev separately said he believes victory is near, echoing the Kremlin’s confidence.
- Ukrainian officials reported overnight Russian drone strikes on Odesa that injured six people, including a toddler, and damaged apartment buildings and two DTEK energy facilities, part of winter targeting of the power grid.
- Some outlets characterized the message as defying outside peace initiatives, including proposals associated with President Donald Trump.