Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Sunday that he believes the conflict with Ukraine is approaching an end. The remark came shortly after Russia observed its Victory Day parade in Moscow, an annual commemoration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“I think that the matter is coming to an end, but it is a serious matter,” Putin said while speaking with reporters after the event.
He made the comments against the backdrop of a three-day ceasefire that took effect that day. Putin also addressed broader diplomatic matters, including a willingness to discuss new European security arrangements. He went on to identify former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner among European leaders.
Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Putin indicated that a direct meeting would be possible only after a lasting peace agreement had been reached and could serve as the final step in the process. He also criticized Western countries for what he described as “fueling confrontation” with Russia despite earlier assurances about NATO expansion.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE DEAL IN SIGHT
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U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire on May 8, describing it as a direct request from him that both Putin and Zelenskyy accepted. The truce is set to run from May 9 through May 11 and included a complete suspension of kinetic activity — meaning no combat operations — and an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.
Trump noted that the pause coincided with Victory Day observances and expressed hope that it could lead to a longer halt in fighting, calling the situation “the worst thing since World War Two in terms of life.” He added that he would like to see “a big extension.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the agreement via a post on X, stating that it was reached through a negotiating process mediated by the American side. He emphasized the humanitarian priority of returning captured Ukrainians, adding that Ukraine had secured Russia’s agreement to the 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange.
Zelensky instructed his team to prepare the exchange promptly and thanked Trump and the U.S. team for their diplomatic role. The Kremlin confirmed Russia’s agreement through aide Yuri Ushakov, who said the deal was reached during discussions with the Trump Administration.
Russia and Ukraine have presented measured views on the status of broader peace talks. The Kremlin has stated that negotiations brokered by the Trump administration are currently on pause and described the issues as highly complex, with a long path remaining to any comprehensive settlement
Russian officials have indicated that the three-day ceasefire is limited in scope and have not signaled plans for an immediate extension. In addition, Putin has maintained that Russia will pursue its stated goals while expressing openness to certain diplomatic channels, such as discussions with European intermediaries.
For Ukraine, Zelensky has described its approach as consistent and focused on practical outcomes within the mediated process. Kyiv has stressed the importance of U.S. oversight to ensure compliance and has continued to prioritize humanitarian elements such as prisoner exchanges.
