Putin says he thinks Russia-Ukraine war is coming to an end
"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin told reporters of the Ukraine war.
TL;DR
- Putin believes the Russia-Ukraine war is coming to an end.
- He expressed willingness to negotiate new European security arrangements, with Gerhard Schröder as a preferred partner.
- The war is described as Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, causing a major crisis in Russia-West relations.
- Putin blamed 'globalist' Western leaders for the war's causes, citing NATO expansion.
- Victory Day parade was notably scaled back, showing military hardware footage instead of live displays.
- The conflict has lasted longer than Soviet involvement in World War Two.
- Putin faces domestic anxiety over the war's casualties, Ukrainian devastation, and economic drain on Russia.
- Despite current setbacks, Russia controls just under one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
- A three-day ceasefire was announced, supported by Russia, Ukraine, and brokered by Donald Trump, with an agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners.
- European leaders generally view Russia as needing defeat in Ukraine and see Putin as a war criminal.
- Putin views European powers as warmongers for their support of Ukraine.
- A meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is contingent on a lasting peace deal.