Russia is close to “victory”, former President Dmitry Medvedev has proclaimed in a provocative New Year’s Eve video message, delivering a defiant rebuke to recent US-brokered peace efforts in the Ukraine war. In a two-minute address posted on social media, Medvedev, flanked by illuminated Christmas trees, thanked soldiers and workers who support the war effort. “We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you return home with Victory,” he said. “I sincerely believe that it is near.”

The Deputy Chairman of Russia‘s Security Council drew parallels between current troops and Soviet heroes of World War II, following the 80th-anniversary victory celebrations held earlier in 2025 during the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland”. He insisted his country’s strength lies in its “spiritual identity” and “firm belief that we are following the path of righteousness”, portraying the conflict as a moral imperative.

The Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council drew parallels between current troops and Soviet heroes of World War II, following the 80th-anniversary victory celebrations held earlier in 2025 during the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland”. He insisted Russia’s strength lies in its “spiritual identity” and “firm belief that we are following the path of righteousness”, portraying the conflict as a moral imperative.

Medvedev’s assertion that victory is imminent signals Moscow’s rejection of compromise, undermining diplomatic momentum just days after President Donald Trump‘s high-profile meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Medvedev, 60, a longtime Putin confidant who served as president from 2008-2012 and prime minister until 2020, is known for hawkish outbursts. He has repeatedly threatened nuclear escalation, denied Ukraine‘s statehood, and faced Western sanctions for promoting aggression and disinformation.

The message, released on December 31, coincides with fragile hopes for a resolution following Mr Trump’s December 28 summit at Mar-a-Lago with Mr Zelensky. Mr Trump, fresh from a lengthy call with Putin, described the talks as advancing, with the sides “closer than ever” to an agreement on a 20-point plan that features extended US security guarantees for Ukraine and potential referendums on territories like Donbas.

However, Russia demands outright recognition of its annexations – encompassing roughly 19 % of Ukraine – and demilitarisation measures Kyiv deems unacceptable. Putin has dismissed interim ceasefires, as assaults persist, including pre-summit barrages of hundreds of drones and missiles.

The nearly four-year war, stemming from Russia’s 2014 Crimea annexation and Donbas intervention before the 2022 full-scale invasion, has inflicted devastating losses. Western intelligence estimates over 790,000 Russian casualties; however, Ukrainian General Staff figures now exceed 1.2 million when including all wounded. Millions displaced and economic ruin compound the humanitarian crisis amid a grinding, stalemated front.

Medvedev’s optimistic forecast contrasts sharply with battlefield realities, where Russian gains remain slow and pyrrhic. Analysts interpret it as hardening Kremlin resolve against concessions, potentially prolonging hostilities despite scheduled 2026 negotiations and European-US coordination for a durable peace.

As the world enters 2026, the statement highlights persistent ideological fervour in Moscow, raising doubts over genuine willingness to end Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.