Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the war between Russia and Ukraine could be nearing its conclusion, while also indicating for the first time that he would be willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside Russia under certain conditions.
Speaking after Saturday’s Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Putin said he believed “the matter is coming to an end” in reference to what the Kremlin continues to call its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
The remarks came amid renewed international diplomatic efforts and a temporary ceasefire brokered with support from the United States. The truce was intended to reduce hostilities during Russia’s annual Victory Day commemorations, although both Kyiv and Moscow later accused each other of violating the three-day agreement.
This year’s Victory Day parade was noticeably scaled down compared to previous years, with authorities limiting the display of heavy military hardware such as tanks and missiles due to fears of possible Ukrainian attacks on Red Square. Despite the security concerns, the event concluded without incident.
Earlier during his annual Victory Day address, Putin defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, describing the war as “just” and accusing the West and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of fueling the conflict through military support for Kyiv.
“They promised assistance and then began fuelling a confrontation with Russia that continues to this day,” Putin said during a later press briefing. “I think that the matter is coming to an end, but it is a serious matter.”
Russia first seized Crimea and backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine in 2014 before launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, triggering one of the deadliest conflicts in Europe since World War Two.
Putin also addressed the possibility of direct talks with Zelensky, saying he would only agree to a face-to-face meeting after substantial progress had been made toward a long-term peace treaty.
“A meeting in a third country is also possible, but only once final agreements have been reached on a peace treaty for a long-term historical perspective,” Putin stated. “It must be the final step.”
The Russian leader added that he had heard reports suggesting Zelensky was ready for direct talks, but noted that similar statements had been made before without concrete outcomes.
Putin further revealed that he would be open to discussing new European security arrangements and identified former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner. Schröder has maintained close ties with Putin for years and has faced criticism in Europe over his involvement with Russian state-owned energy firms.
Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa recently stated that there was “potential” for future negotiations between the European Union and Russia, adding that Zelensky appeared supportive of diplomatic engagement when the time was right.
As part of the US-backed ceasefire arrangement, Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. However, Putin claimed on Saturday that Moscow had not yet received confirmation from Ukraine regarding the implementation of the swap.
The latest developments have raised cautious optimism globally that diplomatic negotiations could eventually bring an end to the more than three-year conflict that has devastated parts of Ukraine, displaced millions and strained relations between Russia and the West.
