Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the war in Ukraine could be approaching its final stage, while again accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict through continued military support for Kyiv.
Speaking after Victory Day ceremonies in Moscow, Putin said he was open to direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, either in Moscow or another neutral location. However, he stressed that any meeting should happen only after the main terms of a peace agreement are settled.
His remarks came during a temporary three-day ceasefire backed by the United States, as both countries continue discussions on prisoner exchanges. Despite the truce, fighting has not completely stopped, with Ukraine reporting fresh Russian attacks and intense clashes along the front lines.
Putin claimed Western nations had hoped Russia would collapse under pressure but failed to achieve that goal. He also repeated Moscow’s long-standing argument that NATO expansion threatened Russian security and contributed to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The war has caused massive destruction, killed thousands and placed heavy economic pressure on both Russia and Ukraine.
