Russias war on Ukraine may be nearing its conclusion, Putin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made comments suggesting that a long-term peace deal with Ukraine could lead to a meeting between the two leaders in a third country. On Saturday, hours after Russia’s most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years, Putin stated that his country’s war on Ukraine may be “coming to an end.” He also expressed willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a neutral location if a peace agreement is finalized.

The remarks came as Russia and Ukraine began a three-day ceasefire and agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners. The developments raised cautious hopes of renewed diplomatic progress. At the parade, Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, describing their mission as a “just cause” against an “aggressive force.” He also blamed Western “globalist elites” for the war.

In a separate statement, Putin declared that he thinks the matter is coming to an end. The annual Victory Day holiday marks the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and honours the 27 million Soviet citizens who died in the conflict. This year’s parade featured troops from North Korea, a tribute to Pyongyang that sent its soldiers to fight alongside Moscow’s forces.

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire running from Saturday through Monday, which included a suspension of all kinetic activity and an exchange of prisoners. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared Red Square temporarily off-limits for Ukrainian strikes in response. The Kremlin dismissed the comments as a “silly joke.” Putin stated that he could meet with Zelenskyy in another country if a comprehensive accord is finalized, but only to endorse it.

The war in Ukraine has resulted in significant human and economic losses, including hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Russian troops have been fighting in Ukraine for over four years, longer than Soviet forces fought in World War II.

Source: Al Jazeera