19:58 (IST), Dec 31

Putin, in New Year deal with, makes solely passing reference to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin, dealing with an election in March, made solely passing reference in his New Year deal with on Sunday to his battle in Ukraine, hailing his troopers as heroes however largely emphasising unity and shared willpower. The pre-recorded deal with, being aired simply earlier than midnight in every of Russia’s 11 time zones, was in sharp distinction to final 12 months, when he stood behind grim-looking troopers to make a stern name for sacrifice in what he forged as a combat for survival.