The war continues in the new year...Russia "soldiers are heroes" Ukra "with America"

[Anchor]
With the war in Ukraine entering its fourth year, both Russia and the leaders of Ukraine, the parties, announced their New Year's speeches.

Putin praised the soldiers for their hard work without any direct mention of the war, and Zelensky said he would do everything to end the war and did not give up expectations for U.S. support.

Reporter Hong Joo-ye reports.

[Reporter]
The head of the United Nations has defined 2024 as a year when hope has been elusive.

Still, it encouraged me to make 2025 a new beginning if people from all over the world are together.

[Antonio Guterres / UN Secretary-General: We cannot guarantee what will happen in 2025. But I promise to join those who strive to create a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all.]

Russian President Putin, who has been fighting the war for 34 months since invading Ukraine in February last year, also announced his New Year's address.

Without directly mentioning the war situation, he encouraged the veterans by calling them "heroes" several times.

[Vladimir Putin / President of Russia] You (soldiers) are the true heroes who take on the great military task of defending Russia to protect the peace and security of the people.]

"Peace is not given like a gift," Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said, stressing that "we need strength to be respected on the battlefield and in negotiations."

Nor did the expectation that the new U.S. administration, which will launch this month, will continue to support Ukraine.

[Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky: I am sure the new American president has the will and ability to bring peace and end Putin's aggression.]

But it remains to be seen whether the United States will move as President Zelensky wishes.

This is because Trump is skeptical of support for Ukraine, unlike current U.S. President Biden, who recently decided to provide $2.5 billion in additional military aid.

I'm Hong Joo Ye of YTN.

Video editing: Han Kyung-hee