Russian President Vladimir Putin says the conflict in Ukraine could be nearing its conclusion as ceasefire efforts continue.
Vladimir Putin has said he believes Russia’s war with Ukraine is “coming to an end,” days after a temporary ceasefire agreement was brokered between Moscow and Kyiv.
Speaking to reporters after Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Putin claimed the conflict was approaching a decisive stage while also criticizing Western countries for supporting Ukraine militarily. He described the war as a serious matter but suggested ongoing developments could lead to its conclusion.
Earlier during his Victory Day speech at Red Square, Putin defended Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, calling it a “just war” and accusing NATO of backing what he described as an aggressive Ukrainian government.
This year’s military parade in Moscow was notably smaller than previous editions. For the first time in nearly two decades, Russia did not display tanks or heavy military equipment during the event. Authorities reportedly reduced the showcase because of security concerns and fears of possible Ukrainian drone attacks.
A recently announced ceasefire, reportedly encouraged by Donald Trump, helped ease tensions during the celebrations. The temporary truce also included plans for a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side. However, Putin later claimed Russia had not yet received confirmation from Ukraine regarding the swap.
The Russian president also said he would only agree to meet Volodymyr Zelensky after a long-term peace agreement had been finalized. According to Putin, any direct meeting between the two leaders would happen only at the final stage of negotiations.
Putin further suggested that Russia remains open to discussing a new European security arrangement. He also named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner. Schröder has long faced criticism in Europe because of his close ties to Russia and Russian energy companies.
The Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The origin of tensions between the two countries dates back to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts and ceasefire initiatives, fighting and political tensions between the two nations remain unresolved.
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