Putin says he thinks Russia-Ukraine war is coming to an end

Key Points:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he believes the war in Ukraine is nearing its end and expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangements, preferring former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a negotiating partner.
• Putin blamed Western "globalist" leaders for the conflict, accusing them of breaking promises not to expand NATO eastward and attempting to draw Ukraine into the European Union's sphere.
• The May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow was scaled back, with military hardware shown via video rather than displayed in person, reflecting the ongoing strain of the war on Russia.
• Despite ongoing fighting and territorial control challenges in eastern Ukraine, a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire was announced and supported by both Moscow and Kyiv, with plans to exchange 1,000 prisoners.
• European leaders remain committed to defeating Russia in Ukraine, viewing Putin as a threat to NATO, while Putin accuses the West of warmongering by supporting Ukraine with extensive aid and weapons.