Putin Signals War's End, Hints at Talks Away From Public Eye

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that the war in Ukraine is approaching its conclusion, marking the first direct statement of its kind since the conflict erupted over four years ago. Speaking during Russia's 81st Victory Day celebrations, Putin declared that "things are nearing their end," even as military operations and mutual strikes between Moscow and Kyiv persist alongside undisclosed diplomatic efforts.

Putin told journalists he is prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country, but only as the "final point" of any potential peace agreement, tying the meeting to the completion of conditions for a settlement. The Russian leader also floated the possibility of negotiating new European security arrangements, naming former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a suitable figure for that track, citing his longstanding ties to the Kremlin and his role during the war's early stages in 2022.

Ceasefire Announced, Fighting Continues

Putin's remarks coincided with U.S. efforts to de-escalate battlefield tensions. President Donald Trump announced a three-day truce covering a halt to military operations and an exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. Yuri Ushakov, Putin's aide, said the agreement was reached through phone calls between Moscow and the U.S. administration, which then relayed the proposals to Kyiv. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that reaching a comprehensive peace deal still requires time due to the complexity of the issues involved.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, fighting on the ground remained intense. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 drones in a single night, resulting in casualties. Moscow, in turn, claimed to have shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones, including attempts to target the capital and the Perm region.

Secret Contacts and Sticking Points

Alongside the military escalation, Axios revealed that undisclosed political contacts between warring parties are ongoing. Sources said Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov held meetings in Miami with U.S. officials to discuss prisoner exchanges and the diplomatic track. The main disputes in negotiations center on the future of eastern regions, particularly Donetsk, where Moscow demands a Ukrainian withdrawal from certain areas, while Kyiv refuses territorial concessions.

European circles have begun discussing post-war security arrangements, with talk inside EU institutions about potentially opening future negotiation channels with Moscow on European security. Former Ukrainian diplomat Volodymyr Shumakov dismissed the idea of genuine secret talks to end the war, telling Erem News that Putin shows no desire for a long-term truce despite proposals for an open-ended ceasefire. Shumakov said Putin rejected those proposals, only calling for a brief two-day truce coinciding with Victory Day, reflecting limited Russian readiness for a comprehensive settlement. He added that Russia has violated ceasefire agreements multiple times, shelling Ukraine during truce periods and causing civilian casualties.

Shumakov noted that the scene at Moscow's recent military parade, where Red Square was surrounded by anti-drone nets, illustrates how the war has transformed from Russia's early talk of quickly capturing Kyiv. He said Russia now fears Ukrainian drone attacks, which has reduced its use of heavy machinery, turning the war into a "swamp" that gradually drains Russia.

Analysts: Endgame Not Tied to Talks

Dr. Ammar Qanaa, director of the Center for Strategic Studies and Political Forecasting in Russia, told Erem News that Putin's statements about the war nearing its end are not fully linked to the negotiation track. He explained that U.S. mediation has stalled due to Washington's focus on other international files, especially the Middle East crisis. Qanaa emphasized that talk of an approaching end relates to the conflict reaching advanced stages, with the key factor being Europe's declining ability to maintain its previous pace of military and political support for Ukraine.

He pointed to Europe's loss of political balance and declining effectiveness of current ruling elites, arguing that the world is undergoing a phase of reshaping the international order. These shifts, he said, will force a reassessment of the global landscape and may push various parties toward political concessions in the coming period. Qanaa described Russia's military course as "disciplined" since the war began, denying any Russian confusion or isolation as some claim. He added that Putin has sent messages about Moscow's readiness to dialogue with Europeans, but away from current political elites, amid the rise of new forces in Europe, particularly right-wing parties that are beginning to reconsider their positions on continued military support for Ukraine.