Headline: Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

Why this matters:Putin’s comments may signal potential movement towards negotiations after more than four years of war. However, continued fighting and ceasefire accusations show major tensions remain

Date: 10 May 2026

Tags: World, Russia, Ukraine, Politics

Summary:

• Vladimir Putin suggested the conflict in Ukraine could be “coming to an end”.

• Putin made the remarks after Russia’s scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow.

• He criticised Western military support for Ukraine and blamed Nato for prolonging the war.

• The Victory Day parade lacked tanks and missiles because of security concerns.

• Russia and Ukraine both later accused each other of violating the US-brokered ceasefire.

• Putin said he would only meet Volodymyr Zelensky after a final peace agreement was reached.

• He indicated openness to wider European security negotiations involving Russia and the EU.

• Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a preferred negotiating partner.

• Russia and Ukraine had agreed in principle to exchange 1,000 prisoners each under the ceasefire deal.

• Ukraine reported injuries from Russian drone attacks despite the temporary truce.

What’s next:Attention will focus on whether the ceasefire holds and if formal peace negotiations begin. Planned prisoner exchanges and international diplomatic discussions are expected to continue.