New Year 2025: China's Xi Jinping to North Korea's Kim Jong Un, here's what world leaders said in their New Year's speeches

As the world celebrates the arrival of the new year 2025, world leaders have shared important updates and messages in their New Year greetings. From promises of unity and progress to reflections on the challenges of Over the past year, leaders have used this moment to address their nations and the world.

Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky

On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged that his country would use 2025 to fight tirelessly to end Russia's nearly three-year-old invasion, pledging to do so by any means necessary.

The Ukrainian leader's speech caps a difficult year for the war-ravaged country, which has had to fight for nearly three years against a better-resourced Russian army. Let 2025 be our year, Zelensky said in a speech to the nation just before midnight in kyiv.

Also read: Idiot: How Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Putin's calls for a high-tech duel amid the Ukraine-Russia war

We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war. Ukraine has lost seven times more territory to Russia this year than in 2023, according to an AFP analysis, and faces the possibility of a reduction in US military and political support when Donald Trump takes office. head of the White House.

Russian Vladimir Putin

In his New Year's Eve speech on Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin praised Russia's achievements, saying Russians should be “proud” of what the country has accomplished during his 25 years in power. The speech, marking the 25th anniversary of Boris Yeltsin's rise to power, did not directly address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, instead focusing on messages of hope for the year ahead, as the newspaper reported . AFP.

Dear friends, in a few minutes 2025 will arrive, completing the first quarter of the 21st century, Putin said in his televised speech. Although much remains to be decided, we can rightly be proud of what we have already accomplished, he continued, emphasizing that the past 25 years have laid the foundations for further progress.

Putin assumed the role of acting president on New Year's Eve in 1999, after the unexpected resignation of Boris Yeltsin, apologizing for post-Soviet struggles, a moment that left many Russians stunned, AFP noted .

China's Xi Jinping

In his New Year's speech on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said no one can stop China's “reunification” with Taiwan, issuing a stark warning to what Beijing sees as pro-independence forces both on the island and abroad. at the international level.

Also read: No one can stop China's national reunification with Taiwan, Xi Jinping says in New Year speech

People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family ties and no one can stop the historic trend of national reunification, Xi said in a speech on Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Kim Jong Un in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin as his dearest friend in a New Year's letter, praising the two countries' strong bilateral ties, state media reported Tuesday.

Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un greets his dear friend Putin

Kim's latest message describes Putin as his dearest friend and comrade, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The North Korean leader sent “warm greetings and best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all military personnel of the brave Russian army, on behalf of himself, on behalf of the Korean people and all military personnel of the forces armies of the DPRK,” he added. using an acronym of the official name of the North.

Indian Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year 2025 wishes to the nation, hoping that it will bring new opportunities, success and happiness to all. Speaking to X, he wrote: Happy 2025! May this year bring new opportunities, success and endless joy to everyone. May everyone enjoy wonderful health and prosperity.

India welcomed 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations have started in many cities with parties, cultural events, concerts and themed decorations. Many devotees even gathered in large numbers at temples to offer prayers.

(With contribution from agencies)