Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Saturday that the war in Ukraine was coming to an end, while criticizing Western support for Kyiv. The first day of a ceasefire negotiated by the United States was marked by mutual accusations of violations.
Putin spoke after telling soldiers in a reduced parade in Moscow that they were fighting an “aggressive force” in Ukraine backed by all of NATO, framing his war goals as “just.”
Russian authorities usually celebrate Victory Day with grandeur and solemnity. However, a series of Ukrainian long-range attacks in recent weeks led the Kremlin to strengthen security measures and scale down this year’s celebrations.
After being asked if Western military aid to Ukraine had gone too far, Putin responded, “They started to intensify the confrontation with Russia, and that continues to this day.”
“I think the conflict is nearing its end, but it remains a serious matter,” he added.
“They spent months waiting for Russia to suffer a crushing defeat, for its state to collapse. That did not happen.”
“And then, they got stuck in this scheme and now they can’t get out,” Putin said, referring to Western countries, following Kremlin propaganda manuals closely as he spoke to journalists.
Putin also mentioned that he was ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow, or in a third country, only once all the conditions for a potential peace agreement were settled.
Context: The article discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the ceasefire negotiations with the United States.
Fact Check: The article mentions the involvement of North Korean soldiers aiding Russia in resisting the Ukrainian incursion in the Kursk region. This information could not be independently verified and may require further investigation.
/2026/05/10/6a0032d608a02147030403.jpg "Vladimir Putin insists that the war in Ukraine is coming to an end, and criticizes Western countries support for Kiev.")
