Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Global Leaders Address New Year
On New Year's Day, two world leaders, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Kim Jong Un of North Korea, gave important speeches.
Putin talked about the war in Ukraine, saying Russia will keep fighting and win.
He called the soldiers heroes.
Kim Jong Un celebrated with his daughter and praised the people of North Korea for their hard work in 2025.
He asked everyone to stay united for an important meeting in 2026.
Both leaders used their speeches to inspire their countries and talk about the future.
Vladimir Putin gave a New Year address, expressing confidence in Russia's victory in the Ukraine war and praising the troops.
Kim Jong Un attended New Year's celebrations in Pyongyang with fireworks, patriotic songs, dances, and a taekwondo demonstration.
Kim Jong Un praised the North Korean people's efforts in 2025, calling them 'successes and phenomenal changes'.
Kim Jong Un called for unity ahead of a key party congress expected in early 2026 to set the country's future direction.
Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, accompanied him during the celebrations, suggesting she may be his successor.
- Who
- Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un
- What
- New Year addresses and celebrations
- When
- January 1, 2026
- Where
- Kamchatka, Russia and Pyongyang, North Korea
- Why
- To address their nations and call for unity and confidence in their respective situations
Russian Government
Ukrainian Government
War in Ukraine
Russian Government
Russia is confident in achieving victory and continues to support its troops.
Ukrainian Government
Ukraine seeks peace but faces ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges.
- Leader 1
- Vladimir Putin
- Leader 2
- Kim Jong Un
- Location 1
- Kamchatka, Russia
- Location 2
- Pyongyang, North Korea
- Event 1
- New Year Address
- Event 2
- New Year Celebrations
- Media Source 1
- The Moscow Times
- Media Source 2
- KCNA
- Key Message 1
- Confidence in victory in Ukraine
- Key Message 2
- Unity for future direction
Sources
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un attends New Year’s celebrations, KCNA says
‘We believe in our victory’: Vladimir Putin’s New Year message offers no sign of softening on Ukraine
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un attends New Year celebrations with daughter
China’s Xi Jinping Renews Pledge To Take Back Taiwan
