Putin says he thinks Ukraine war is 'coming to an end'
DW.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the Ukraine war could be nearing its end, stating the conflict "is heading to an end" during remarks after Russia's Victory Day parade.
- The comments coincided with a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Joe Biden and observed by Kyiv and Moscow, alongside a planned large prisoner swap that Moscow says has yet to receive a response from Ukraine.
- Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred EU negotiator for peace talks, highlighting Schröder's close ties to Russia despite criticism in Germany.
- The Russian leader accused the EU of escalating the conflict and warned Brussels of potential costs, while affirming readiness for direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy only after a lasting peace deal is reached.
- Russia's Victory Day parade was notably scaled down with no military hardware displayed and attendance limited to leaders of Russia's close allies, marking a departure from nearly two decades of traditional celebrations.
