Putin declares 2026 'year of unity of peoples of Russia': ISW reveals analysis

Putin described Russians as "together one large family" and referred to "traditions, faith and memory" as unifying characteristics.

Putin emphasizes that the Russian people are united by "in [their] selfless and devoted love" for Russia and support for Russia's military actions.

The ISW notes that Putin's narratives about Russia as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, whose people are united by a common love for Russia, contradict the xenophobic views of the Russian ultra-nationalist community — one of the main groups supporting the dictator, which ardently supports military actions and advocates for a Russia focused on ethnic Russian identity and the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).

"Putin notably continues to lean into a concept of civic nationalism more consistent with the Soviet ideal than with the Christian nationalism of Russian ultranationalists and emphasized on December 19 that the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia in 2026 carries special significance in wartime," analysts stress.

Putin's New Year's address

In his New Year's address to the Russian people, Vladimir Putin once again emphasized the war against Ukraine.

This year's greeting from Putin lasted only 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Traditionally, viewers in the Far East of the country were the first to see the address.

During his speech, Putin congratulated the soldiers and commanders of the Russian army who, in his words, took on the responsibility of fighting for their homeland, for truth and justice.

Putin called them heroes and declared his support for them in word and deed. He also hinted that he believes in the alleged victory over Ukraine.

At the same time, Putin decided not to mention the losses of the Russian army that the Russians suffered in 2025 or during all the years of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Putin also repeated his usual phrases about Russia's thousand-year history.