Speaking after Russia’s annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the conflict in Ukraine may be “coming to an end”, while criticising continued Western and NATO support for Kyiv.
“I think that the matter is coming to an end,” he said, referring to the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
Later, when asked at a news conference about the West helping Ukraine, Putin said: “They (West) promised assistance and then began fuelling a confrontation with Russia that continues to this day. I think that the matter is coming to an end, but it is a serious matter.”
Putin said he would only meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been reached.
“A meeting in a third country is also possible, but only once final agreements have been reached on a peace treaty for a long‑term historical perspective, to take part in this event and sign (treaty), but it must be a final step,” he continued.
Putin said he had heard that Zelensky was ready to hold a personal meeting but added “this is not the first time we have heard such statements”.
Meanwhile, last week European Council President António Costa said he believed there was “potential” for the EU to negotiate with Russia, and that t favoured such a move.
Quoted by the Financial Times, Costa said he was consulting EU leaders on “what we need effectively to discuss with Russia when it comes to the right moment to do this”.
The 9 May 2026 parade was held under heightened security and featured a reduced military display, with no tanks or missile systems appearing in Red Square. A temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by US President Donald Trump, helped ease concerns over possible attacks during the event.
Russia and Ukraine also agreed in principle to exchange 1,000 prisoners each as part of the ceasefire discussions.
ℹ️ BBC News
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