Putin says he thinks Ukraine war is ‘coming to an end’

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday hinted that the Ukraine war could soon end.

Speaking to reporters after marking Russia’s Victory Day parade, Putin said: “I think that the ‌matter is coming to an end.”

The comment was made in response to a question about whether Western help to Ukraine went too far.

The Russian leader said: “They started ratcheting up the confrontation with Russia, which continues to this day. I think it is heading to an end, but it’s still a serious matter.”

Russia marks Victory Day as the Ukraine war drags on

Ceasefire is another hopeful sign

Putin’s remarks come as Kyiv and Moscow observe a three-day ceasefire in Russia’s war in Ukraine this weekend.

The truce was announced on Friday by US President Donald Trump after negotiations brokered by Washington.

European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday said the European Union was prepared to hold separate talks with Russia and Ukraine “when the right moment comes.”

During his news conference, Putin was asked to name his preferred EU negotiator for those talks. He named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

Schröder is one of Putin’s closest Western allies and a longtime personal friend. But he has faced heavy criticism at home for those ties, which included lucrative board positions at Russian state-linked energy firms.

Putin also accused the EU of seeking to escalate the conflict, warning Brussels that “this game could prove costly.”

Ukraine continues to receive massive support from Europe, particularly equipment and technology.