Vladimir Putin suggests Ukraine war is ‘coming to an end’
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Vladimir Putin stated that he believes the Russia-Ukraine war is "coming to an end" and expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangements, preferring former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a negotiating partner.
- Despite Putin’s remarks, the conflict remains intense with ongoing ceasefire violations, and Russia controls just under one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, having failed to capture the entire Donbas region.
- The Victory Day parade in Moscow was significantly scaled back, with no military hardware displayed and few foreign dignitaries present, reflecting Russia’s strained international relations amid the war.
- Putin reiterated readiness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only after all peace agreement conditions are settled, maintaining his usual stance on direct talks.
- Ukraine marked the day as Europe Day, emphasizing its commitment to the European family, while European leaders show cautious openness to negotiating with Russia on future security arrangements despite ongoing hostilities.
