In a highly unusual Orthodox Christmas address, Russian President Vladimir Putin framed his country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine as a sacred duty, escalating his militaristic rhetoric amidst renewed international diplomatic efforts.
Putin's 'Holy Mission' Rhetoric
Speaking on Wednesday 07 January 2026, Putin described the full-scale war, which began in February 2022, as a "holy mission" essential for defending Russia. He lavished praise on Russian soldiers, characterising them as "warriors" who were acting "as if at the Lord's behest." This fusion of religious symbolism with nationalist aggression marked a significant moment in his public justification for a conflict that has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The speech has been widely condemned as a bizarre and provocative attempt to sanctify a war that has fundamentally shattered the post-Second World War peace framework in Europe. Analysts suggest it is aimed at bolstering domestic morale and reinforcing a narrative of existential struggle to the Russian populace.
Diplomatic Backdrop: Pledges from Paris
Putin's address followed closely behind a significant round of peace talks held in Paris. These discussions involved Ukrainian officials, key European allies, and two special envoys from the United States, all working to establish a unified position to present to Moscow.
A major development from these talks was a formal commitment by the United Kingdom and France. Both nations pledged to provide troops on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire agreement being reached. This commitment, which represents a substantial escalation in Western military support, is understood to have the backing of the United States.
The move is seen as a strategic effort to underpin any future peace deal with a credible security guarantee for Ukraine, deterring potential future Russian aggression after a cessation of hostilities.
Consequences and the Path Ahead
The juxtaposition of Putin's ideologically charged speech and the concrete military pledges from Western capitals highlights the vast gulf between the warring sides. It underscores the profound challenges facing any meaningful peace process.
With Putin entrenching his position through the language of a divinely-ordained conflict, and Western nations preparing to deploy forces to secure a potential peace, the stakes for Europe's future security architecture have never been higher. The conflict continues to rage, with the human and economic cost mounting daily, as diplomatic manoeuvres and battlefield realities remain inextricably linked.
