Putin Says Russia-Ukraine War May Be Coming to an End

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the war with Ukraine may be coming to an end. Speaking to reporters after Victory Day events in Moscow on May 9, 2026, Putin said he was ready to hold direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart in Moscow or a neutral country. Putin added that he would be willing to meet only after the terms of a peace agreement had already been settled.

"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin told reporters of the Russia-Ukraine war. He described it as Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. The Russian leader said this should be the final point, not the negotiations themselves.

He also expressed willingness to negotiate new security arrangements with Europe and named Germany's former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner. His comments were made as Russia and Ukraine observe a short three-day United States-backed ceasefire. The two sides are continuing prisoner-swap discussions.

However, broader peace talks remain stalled. Ukrainian officials said Russian attacks left at least three people dead on Sunday. They reported close to 150 combat engagements on the front lines in the previous 24 hours.

The two sides continue to carry out attacks against each other. The remarks reflect mounting pressure on both sides after more than four years of war. The conflict has devastated parts of Ukraine and strained Russia's economy.

Western-led sanctions have also impacted Russia's economy. Russia has accused the West of expanding the NATO security alliance to encircle it. Putin has given this as one justification for Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.