Putin Suggests Ukraine Conflict Nearing Conclusion Amid Ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the conflict in Ukraine might be nearing its conclusion. Speaking after Russia's Victory Day parade, Putin stated, "I think that the matter is coming to an end." This remark was in response to a question about the extent of Western support to Ukraine.

The statement coincides with a three-day ceasefire observed by both Kyiv and Moscow, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. The truce, effective from May 9 to May 11, includes a reciprocal exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. Trump described the ceasefire as potentially marking "the beginning of the end" of the ongoing war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement and emphasized Ukraine's focus on recovering prisoners of war.

Despite the ceasefire, both sides have accused each other of violations. Russia claimed over 1,000 ceasefire violations by Ukraine, alleging attacks on civilian areas and military positions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials reported deadly and injurious strikes from Russian forces in regions including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv. Ukraine's air force claimed to have intercepted all 27 Russian drones launched overnight.

During his news conference, Putin was asked to name his preferred European Union negotiator for potential peace talks. He named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, a longtime personal friend and one of Putin’s closest Western allies. Schröder has faced criticism for his ties to Russian state-linked energy firms.

Putin also accused the EU of seeking to escalate the conflict, warning Brussels that "this game could prove costly." He expressed readiness for direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, but only after a lasting peace deal is agreed upon.

Russia's Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany at the end of World War II. This year's parade was scaled down, with mostly leaders of Russia's close allies in attendance and no military hardware on display for the first time in nearly two decades.