Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing an End After Moscow Victory Day Parade

Vladimir Putin has suggested that the war in Ukraine could be approaching its final stages, making the remarks shortly after Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.

Speaking to reporters following the military event on Red Square, Putin said he believed the conflict was “coming to an end,” according to The Independent. The Russian president also stated that he would be open to negotiating new European security arrangements and indicated that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder would be his preferred negotiation partner.

The comments came hours after Putin delivered a speech during Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, an annual event commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. During the ceremony, Putin projected confidence about Russia’s position in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Victory has always been and will be ours,” Putin declared as Russian troops marched through Red Square. He praised what he described as the country’s “moral strength, courage and unity” in facing challenges during the conflict.

This year’s Victory Day parade appeared significantly smaller compared to previous editions, which traditionally featured large-scale military displays, including nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles and advanced military equipment. Analysts noted that the reduced scale reflected the continuing pressure of the war and the resources being directed toward military operations in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly issued a decree allowing Russia to proceed with the Victory Day military parade without interference. The announcement came after Donald Trump revealed a proposed three-day ceasefire aimed at reducing tensions between the two countries.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has caused widespread destruction, displaced millions of people, and significantly affected global security and economic stability. Despite periodic discussions about peace negotiations, fighting has continued in several regions, with both sides maintaining strong military positions.

Putin’s latest comments are likely to attract international attention as world leaders continue monitoring the possibility of ceasefire agreements and future diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.