Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday that he believes the war in Ukraine is “coming to an end,” a statement made mere hours after he pledged victory at a significantly reduced Victory Day parade. Despite past commitments to continue fighting, Putin expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangements, preferring former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a discussion partner. These remarks arrive amidst a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange, signaling potential diplomatic shifts in the protracted conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday suggested that the conflict in Ukraine, Europe's deadliest since World War II, might be nearing its conclusion. These remarks, made hours after a significantly downscaled Victory Day parade in Moscow where he reiterated vows of victory, have sparked global attention.
Addressing reporters at the Kremlin, Putin stated, "I think that the matter is coming to an end," regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. He also expressed openness to negotiating new security arrangements for Europe, identifying former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred dialogue partner. This comes as relations between Russia and the West remain at their lowest point since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
Despite previous Kremlin statements indicating a pause in peace talks brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, Putin has consistently affirmed his commitment to achieving all of Russia's objectives in what Moscow terms its "special military operation." He attributed the war's origins to "globalist" Western leaders, claiming they reneged on promises regarding NATO's eastward expansion post-1989 fall of the Berlin Wall and sought to integrate Ukraine into the European Union's sphere.
Putin's comments followed the May 9th national holiday, commemorating the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, an event that traditionally honors the 27 million Soviet citizens who perished. This year's parade notably featured only a video montage of military hardware, rather than the usual display of tanks and missile systems in Red Square.
Russian forces have been engaged in Ukraine for over four years, surpassing the duration of Soviet involvement in World War Two. The protracted conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, devastated vast swathes of Ukraine, and significantly strained Russia's $3 trillion economy, pushing relations with Europe to a Cold War-era low.
War in Europe: A Slowing Advance
Despite Moscow controlling nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory, Russian advances have reportedly slowed this year. Kyiv's forces have consolidated their positions in fortress cities within the Donbas region, preventing a complete Russian takeover.
Amidst reciprocal accusations of ceasefire violations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire from Saturday to Monday, which received support from both Moscow and Kyiv. The agreement also facilitated an exchange of 1,000 prisoners. "I'd like to see it stop. Russia-Ukraine - it's the worst thing since World War Two in terms of life. Twenty-five thousand young soldiers every month. It's crazy," Trump stated, advocating for an extended truce. No violations were reported by either side during this period.
Potential Talks with Schröder?
Last week, European Council President António Costa acknowledged the "potential" for EU engagement with Russia concerning Europe's future security architecture. When asked about potential discussions with European leaders, Putin specifically named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred interlocutor.
European leaders, however, have largely condemned Putin as a war criminal and autocrat, arguing that a Russian victory could embolden further aggression against NATO members. Russia vehemently rejects these assertions. Putin, who initiated the invasion in February 2022, views European powers as instigators for their substantial financial, military, and intelligence support to Ukraine. Regarding a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Putin indicated that such a summit would only be feasible once a lasting peace agreement is achieved.
