Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine may be approaching its conclusion, as he indicated the conflict is entering its final phase. Despite this, he acknowledged that the current combat situations remain intense.
According to Thai News Agency, Putin shared these insights with reporters following the Victory Day parade in Moscow, which was notably less elaborate than in previous years, lacking the display of tanks and heavy weaponry. Putin expressed his openness to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, emphasizing that any discussions should focus on reaching a comprehensive peace agreement rather than initiating new talks. He also signaled his willingness to engage with European leaders through a trusted intermediary, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schr¶der, and mentioned the possibility of meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a neutral country, contingent on the drafting of a long-term peace agreement.
The announcement coincided with a three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11, reportedly influenced by US President Donald Trump. Analysts have interpreted this development as a significant indication that Putin might be seeking a negotiated resolution after over four years of conflict. Nevertheless, skepticism persists among Ukrainian officials and some analysts, as the Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted ongoing ceasefire violations by Russia, suggesting that the announcement might be more of a strategic political maneuver than a genuine effort to end the hostilities.
This year’s subdued military parade in Red Square featured military equipment displayed on large video screens rather than physical presence. Putin explained this shift by stating that the military’s focus should now be on concluding its operations in Ukraine. During the ceasefire, both nations agreed to a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war, with 1,000 prisoners being released by each side, marking one of the most significant exchanges in the conflict.
Victory Day holds substantial national importance in Russia, commemorating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II and honoring the more than 27 million Soviet citizens, including numerous Ukrainians, who perished during the war.