Putin: Ukraine conflict “coming to an end”

The conflict, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has triggered the most serious breakdown in Russia–West relations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, when fears of nuclear confrontation were widespread.

Remarks made after Victory Day events

Speaking to reporters in the Kremlin following Russia’s scaled-back Victory Day parade, Putin said, “I think that the matter is coming to an end,” referring to the ongoing war.

The May 9 holiday marks the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and honours the millions of Soviet lives lost during the conflict.

Ongoing war and heavy toll

Despite Putin’s comments, the war has continued for more than four years, with Russian forces still short of full control over Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, where Ukrainian troops have held fortified positions.

The fighting has caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, widespread destruction across Ukraine, and significant economic strain on Russia, while relations between Moscow and Europe remain deeply strained.

Prospects for dialogue with Europe

Putin also addressed the possibility of dialogue with European countries, saying he personally preferred former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a point of contact.

The Kremlin has previously stated that European governments should initiate steps toward restoring contact, arguing that ties were severed by European states following the start of the war in 2022.