Putin Suggests End of Ukraine Conflict Amidst Subdued Victory Day Celebrations

In a recent statement, Vladimir Putin indicated that the war in Ukraine may be approaching its conclusion, following subdued Victory Day celebrations. His comments come amidst ongoing discussions among European leaders about potential negotiations to resolve the conflict. Despite years of fighting, Russian forces have struggled to gain full control over the Donbas region, while the war has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life in Ukraine. Putin expressed a preference for engaging with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder for future discussions, highlighting the strained relations between Russia and Europe. As the situation evolves, the prospect of diplomatic talks remains uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 01:36 IST

Putin's Optimism on Ukraine War

Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that the ongoing war in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, over four years after Russia initiated its large-scale invasion. During a press conference at the Kremlin on Saturday, following the annual Victory Day celebrations, he stated, "I think that the matter is coming to an end." This statement followed what many observers noted as one of the most muted Victory Day parades in recent memory. The 9 May holiday commemorates the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II and honors the approximately 27 million Soviet lives lost during the war.

The conflict in Ukraine, which escalated in 2022, has resulted in the most significant confrontation between Moscow and Western nations since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, a period that brought the world perilously close to nuclear conflict. Despite years of warfare, Russian troops have yet to fully seize the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces continue to mount resistance along a series of heavily fortified cities.

The war has inflicted extensive devastation across Ukraine, resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatalities, while simultaneously straining Russia's economy and escalating tensions with European nations. Currently, relations between Russia and Europe are perceived to be at their lowest since the Cold War. Putin's remarks coincided with reports suggesting that European leaders might be gearing up for potential negotiations regarding the conflict. According to a report from a financial news outlet, officials from the European Union are contemplating the possibility of discussions.

When asked about his willingness to engage with European representatives, Putin indicated that he would prefer to communicate with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has maintained longstanding connections with Moscow. He remarked, "For me personally, the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Schroeder, is preferable." The Kremlin noted last week that any renewed diplomatic efforts would need to be initiated by European governments, as they had severed ties with Moscow following the invasion. Regarding the potential for a meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Putin stated that such discussions could only occur after a sustainable peace agreement is established.