Putin Says Ukraine War 'Coming to an End' as US-Brokered Three-Day Ceasefire Holds
Primary region Europe
Tags Diplomacy · Security
Regions Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 10 that he believes the Ukraine war is nearing its end, marking the first time in over four years of conflict that he has made such a remark. The comments came hours after a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow and during a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire (May 9-11) that both sides have accused each other of violating. Ukraine's General Staff reported 147 combat engagements on May 9 despite the ceasefire. A 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner of war exchange was agreed but not yet completed. Putin said he would only meet Zelensky to sign a final peace agreement, not for preliminary talks. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner are expected in Moscow 'quite soon,' but stated peace talks cannot advance until Ukraine withdraws from the entire Donbas. Slovak PM Fico, the only EU leader to attend Victory Day, relayed Putin's demand that Zelensky initiate direct contact.
Strategic interpretation
Putin's statement likely serves multiple audiences: signaling to the Trump administration that Russia is open to a deal (potentially on terms favorable to Moscow), preparing the Russian public for an end to the conflict that may involve concessions, and testing Western resolve during a fragile ceasefire. The Kremlin's insistence on Ukrainian withdrawal from the entire Donbas as a precondition for talks suggests Russia is negotiating from a position of perceived strength. The Witkoff-Kushner expected visit to Moscow indicates the Trump administration is actively pursuing a deal, but the gap between Russian territorial demands and Ukraine's position remains vast.