Zelenskiy speaks of war, Putin makes passing reference in contrasting New Year speeches – World

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy honoured his people’s resilience in times of bloodshed in a long and lyrical New Year speech, while Russian leader Vladimir Putin stressed his country’s unity in a short and stern message that made only passing reference to the war.

The speeches – traditional Dec. 31 messages in both Russia and Ukraine – came as both countries marked the end of the…