Putin Says Russia-Ukraine War May Be Nearing an End

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the war between Russia and Ukraine could be moving toward a conclusion, signaling possible diplomatic discussions while maintaining Moscow’s long-standing position on the conflict.

Putin Signals Possible End to Russia-Ukraine War

Speaking in Moscow on May 9, Putin said he believed the war in Ukraine was “coming to an end,” a statement made only hours after Russia held a scaled-back Victory Day parade marking the Soviet Union’s World War II victory.

Despite the remarks, Putin repeated Russia’s position that military objectives in Ukraine remain important. Since the invasion began in February 2022, the conflict has become Europe’s deadliest war in decades, causing heavy military losses and widespread destruction across Ukrainian territory.

Putin also blamed Western governments for expanding influence toward Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, arguing that NATO’s continued growth increased tensions with Russia.

Russia and Ukraine Continue Ceasefire Efforts

Recent diplomacy has shown small signs of progress. Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners, while a temporary ceasefire announced from Saturday through Monday received support from both Kyiv and Moscow.

US President Donald Trump publicly called for a broader extension of the truce, describing the war as one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II.

Putin Names Preferred European Negotiator

Putin said he remains open to discussing Europe’s future security structure and identified former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred European discussion partner.

He added that any direct meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy would likely happen only after a lasting peace agreement is reached.