Putin, in New Year address, makes only passing reference to Ukraine

A view shows a screen broadcasting Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual New Year address to the nation, in a subway train in Moscow, Russia December 31, 2022. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

(Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an election in March, made only passing reference in his New Year address on Sunday to his war in Ukraine, hailing his soldiers as heroes but mostly emphasising unity and shared determination.

The pre-recorded address, being aired just before midnight in each of Russia's 11 time zones, was in sharp contrast to last year, when he stood behind grim-looking soldiers to make a stern call for sacrifice in what he cast as a fight for survival.