World leaders gave their New Year’s Eve messages ahead of the start of 2026. Canada Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney referred to the country’s “challenges” this year, emphasizing unity in his New Year’s Eve statement. “This year has brought more than its share of challenges to our country, we have also been reminded that we are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous, and caring nation,” Carney wrote. “We are strongest when we are united, when we look out for each other, and when we take care of each other. That is what makes Canada strong.” Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada In Governor General Mary Simon’s statement, she highlighted the communities affected by wildfires, the economy, the revitalization of Indigenous cultures and languages and the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series run. “In 2025, I saw Canada as a nation that is courageous, inclusive, and committed to building peace,” she said. “And through it all, a resounding sense of national pride—like when the entire country rallied behind our Toronto Blue Jays. The new year promises more wonderful opportunities to strengthen the bonds that unite us." Don Davies, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) New Democratic Party leader Don Davies’s New Year’s Eve message addressed the country’s present challenges, citing rising costs, home affordability and food security. Davies also looked ahead to 2026, adding that the new year will be an exciting time for his party. “We will continue our rebuilding, promote progressive policies and select our new leader this spring. With growing social, economic, and environmental challenges, the voices of New Democrats have never been more needed in our Parliament,” Davies wrote. Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s Eve address referenced the Russia-Ukraine war. His speech aired in Kamchatka Peninsula, the first Russian region to enter 2026. Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Putin addressed “fighters and commanders” in Ukraine, who he called “heroes” and said “we believe in you and our victory.” The war commenced almost four years ago, when Putin launched a military attack on Ukraine in Feb. 2022. The United Nations reported in November that there have been 53,006 civilian casualties in Ukraine and 14,534 deaths since the invasion. Discussions on ending the war have been ongoing — Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Dec. 28, with Trump stating that a settlement is “closer than ever before.” Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media platform X to wish Ukrainians a happy new year. Zelenskyy wrote the country remains dedicated to achieving peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. “This year was made possible thanks to our defenders – those who stood their ground not only for Ukraine, but also for all who value freedom and dignity,“ he wrote. “Together, we move forward with what keeps us going: experience and memory, the word of home, hope and faith. We take with us the capacity for collective action and our humanity – what endures against all odds." China Xi Jinping, President of China President of China Xi Jinping gave his New Year’s Eve statement on China Media Group, the country’s media company by way of radio and television broadcasting. Xi reflected on the country’s 2025 milestones for the economy, social development, science and technology. “Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of our own chips,” Xi said. “All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities.” Xi’s address also highlighted the country’s rising presence internationally. Carney met Xi this year to discuss trade, among other issues, between the two countries. Following their meeting, Carney said Canada’s relationship with China is at a “turning point.” “A turning point that creates opportunities for Canadian families, for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers, and also creates a path to address current issues,” Carney said.
