Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Saturday that he believes the war in Ukraine is nearing its end. His comments came after a scaled-back Victory Day parade where he declared victory. Putin also expressed openness to negotiating new European security arrangements and proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred mediator.
The conflict, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has led to significant international tension. Despite ongoing fighting and differing objectives, recent diplomatic efforts have included a ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump and an agreement for prisoner exchanges.
Putin Suggests End in Sight for Ukraine War, Offers Schröder as Negotiator
Moscow, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed on Saturday his belief that the conflict in Ukraine is approaching its conclusion. These remarks followed a notably subdued Victory Day parade, where Putin vowed victory in Ukraine.
"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin told reporters when asked about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. He also indicated a willingness to negotiate new security arrangements for Europe, specifically naming former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred mediator.
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia escalated tensions to a level not seen since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a period marked by fears of global nuclear war. The Kremlin has stated that peace talks, previously facilitated by the Trump administration, are currently on hold. Putin has consistently asserted his commitment to continuing the military operation until all of Russia's stated war aims are achieved.
Speaking at the Kremlin, Putin attributed the war's origins to "globalist" Western leaders, alleging that they renechoated promises of no NATO eastward expansion following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and subsequently attempted to draw Ukraine into the European Union's sphere of influence.
His comments came shortly after the May 9 national holiday parade, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. This year's commemoration, unlike previous years, featured video displays of military hardware in action on giant screens instead of traditional military hardware parades.
The protracted conflict in Ukraine has now surpassed the duration of the Soviet Union's involvement in World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War (1941-45).
War in Europe
Putin, who has been in power in Russia since December 31, 1999, is facing considerable public concern in Moscow regarding the war. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, devastated significant parts of Ukraine, and strained Russia's economy. Relations between Russia and Europe are at their nadir since the Cold War.
Russian forces have struggled to achieve their objectives in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces have established defensive strongholds. Despite initial advances, Russian progress has slowed considerably this year, with Russia currently controlling just under one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Following mutual accusations of ceasefire violations, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire from Saturday to Monday, which received support from both the Kremlin and Kyiv. The two sides also agreed to a prisoner exchange involving 1,000 individuals.
"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 remarked to reporters in Washington, expressing a desire for a significant extension of the ceasefire. No violations were reported by either Moscow or Kyiv.
Talks with Schröder?
Last week, European Council President António Costa indicated that he saw "potential" for the EU to engage in negotiations with Russia concerning Europe's future security architecture.
When questioned about engaging in talks with European representatives, Putin reiterated his preference for Schröder's involvement. "For me personally, the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Schröder, is preferable," Putin stated.
European leaders have maintained that Russia must be defeated in Ukraine, characterizing Putin as a war criminal and autocrat who might pose a threat to NATO members if allowed to prevail. Russia has dismissed these accusations as baseless.
Putin, who initiated the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, accuses European powers of being warmongers for their substantial financial, military, and intelligence support to Ukraine.
Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Putin indicated that a meeting would only be feasible once a lasting peace agreement is finalized.
