Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the long-running Russia-Ukraine war may be approaching its conclusion. His remarks came after Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations, which were held in a scaled-down manner this year. Speaking to reporters, Putin said, “I think the matter is coming to an end.” He also expressed readiness to discuss new European security arrangements, naming Germany’s former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred mediator.
Putin blamed Western leaders for breaking promises made after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, accusing NATO of expanding eastward and drawing Ukraine closer to the European Union. Despite these criticisms, he indicated willingness to negotiate peace when conditions are right.
The comments followed a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, covering May 9–11. The ceasefire was arranged to coincide with Victory Day, a holiday marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. Trump said the pause would include suspension of fighting and a prisoner swap of 1,000 detainees from each side. He described it as a humanitarian step and “hopefully the beginning of the end” of the war.
The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, has devastated Ukraine, killed hundreds of thousands, and strained Russia’s economy. Putin’s latest words raise hopes that negotiations may finally move forward.