Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to exclude Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the list of leaders he offered New Year greetings to, according to Israeli Channel "12". The Russian president sent congratulations to over 30 leaders and political figures around the world, but for the first time in his years in office, he chose to omit Netanyahu from this list.
In his New Year speech delivered on Sunday, Putin praised Russian soldiers, describing them as heroes, and focused on unity and shared determination without addressing the war in Ukraine. This pre-recorded speech stood in stark contrast to the one he delivered last year, where he stood behind stern-looking soldiers to issue a strong call for sacrifice in what he termed a fight for life.
Putin stated, "To everyone in a combat position or on the front lines fighting for truth and justice: You are our heroes, and our hearts are with you. We are proud of you and admire your courage." In recent months, Putin has softened his previously sharp nationalist rhetoric about Ukraine and has shifted his focus towards the economy and inflation ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for March.
He added, "We have shown time and again that we are capable of solving the most difficult problems and we will never back down, because there is no force that can divide us."
