Russian President Vladimir Putin said the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is coming to an end.
The statement suggests a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape if a ceasefire is successfully implemented, potentially halting years of active combat.
Putin spoke in Moscow during Victory Day celebrations on May 9, 2024 [1, 2]. During a press briefing following the parade, he said that a U.S.-brokered ceasefire had emerged after discussions with the United States [1].
"I think the war is coming to an end," Putin said [2].
Despite the optimism regarding a ceasefire, Putin said that the path to a permanent resolution remains difficult. He said the war is winding down, but there is a long road to peace [3].
The Russian leader used the briefing to condemn Western support for the Ukrainian government. However, he said he expressed a desire to open negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Putin also raised concerns regarding the safety of diplomatic missions in Kyiv. He said Washington should provide assistance in protecting the Russian embassy to mitigate security risks [1].
The comments follow a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow [2]. The event traditionally commemorates the end of World War II, but has taken on new significance during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“"I think the war is coming to an end."”
This development indicates a rare moment of diplomatic alignment between Moscow and Washington regarding a ceasefire. While Putin's rhetoric suggests a willingness to wind down hostilities, the request for U.S. protection of the Russian embassy in Kyiv highlights the deep lack of trust and the volatile security environment that persists despite the prospect of a truce.
