As the world prepares to usher in a new year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent out his traditional festive greetings to a select group of global leaders. However, in a move that underscores ongoing geopolitical shifts, these aren’t just polite pleasantries; they reveal a clear distinction between Moscow’s allies and its perceived adversaries.
Among those receiving a warm “Happy New Year!” from the Kremlin were India’s President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between Russia and India. Former US President Donald Trump also surprisingly made the list, along with leaders from China and several Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, highlighting regions where Russia maintains robust diplomatic ties.
Yet, a notable absence from the holiday cheer were the leaders of major European powers. Countries that Moscow views as actively involved in the ‘proxy war’ against Russia through Ukraine were conspicuously omitted from the greeting list. This deliberate exclusion serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions currently defining international relations and Russia’s firm stance against those opposing its policies.
Interestingly, not all European nations were left out in the cold. Exceptions were made for friendly NATO and EU members Hungary and Slovakia. Their respective leaders, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, who have often taken a more conciliatory approach towards Moscow, received personal well-wishes. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic also earned a greeting, further illustrating Russia’s strategic diplomatic outreach to sympathetic nations within Europe.
As Russia gears up for its extensive New Year and Orthodox Christmas holiday period, which runs until January 12th, these carefully curated messages offer a fascinating glimpse into the Kremlin’s current international friendships and frictions. It seems even during the season of goodwill, diplomacy remains a game of strategic choices on the global stage.
Source: https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/international/2025/12/30/fgn46-russia-putin-greetings.html
