Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended New Year and Christmas greetings to several world leaders, including Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. The greetings were conveyed ahead of the New Year 2026, marking a traditional diplomatic gesture during the festive season.

According to the Kremlin statement, Putin also sent greetings to the leadership of China and heads of states from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). These messages highlighted Russia’s continued emphasis on strengthening ties with strategic partners and neighbouring countries with which it shares close political and economic relations.

Notably, Putin did not extend greetings to leaders of major European powers currently opposing Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin has repeatedly described the war as a “proxy” confrontation involving Western nations, and the omission is seen as reflecting strained diplomatic relations with several European capitals.

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However, exceptions were made for a few European leaders considered friendly to Moscow. Putin congratulated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, underlining Russia’s maintained engagement with select NATO and EU members and traditional allies in Europe.

The announcement comes as Russia enters its extended holiday period, with December 30 marking the country’s last working day. Russia observes an extended New Year break, followed by Orthodox Christmas celebrations on January 7, with official holidays continuing until January 12.

The Kremlin’s New Year greetings are viewed as both ceremonial and symbolic, offering insight into Russia’s current diplomatic alignments amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances.

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