Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that Russia will prevail in its war against Ukraine, now nearing four years, as he delivered his traditional New Year’s Eve address to the nation.

The speech was first broadcast on Wednesday in the far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, the first Russian region to usher in 2026 due to the country’s multiple time zones.

In his remarks, Putin urged Russians to stand firmly behind troops fighting in Ukraine, describing them as national heroes.

“We believe in you and our victory,” the Russian leader said, calling on citizens to “support our heroes.”

He extended New Year wishes to “fighters and commanders” on the battlefield, adding: “Millions of people across Russia, trust me, are thinking of you.”

The conflict in Ukraine has exacted a heavy human toll, with military casualties on both sides estimated to be in the tens of thousands, and possibly higher.

December 31 also marked the 26th anniversary of Putin’s rise to power. He became Russia’s president on New Year’s Eve in 1999 following the resignation of then-President Boris Yeltsin.

Putin’s televised New Year address, a tradition dating back to the Soviet era under leader Leonid Brezhnev, remains a major holiday fixture in Russia and is watched by millions of households.

The speech is broadcast on state television shortly before midnight across each of Russia’s 11 time zones.