Putin Says Ukrainian Conflict Nearing End Amid Scaled-Down Victory Day Celebrations Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday stated that the conflict with Ukraine is approaching its conclusion, during a scaled-back military parade commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The event, held on Red Square in Moscow, marked a notable departure from previous years by omitting heavy weapons such as tanks and missiles, a first in nearly two decades. Putin, addressing reporters, said, “I think it [the conflict] is heading to an end but it’s still a serious matter,” according to Agence France-Presse. The parade, which featured a flyover of combat jets but no armored vehicles or long-range artillery, was accompanied by heightened security measures in Moscow. A U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire had temporarily eased concerns about potential Ukrainian disruptions to the festivities. However, the ceasefire did not hold as both sides accused each other of violating its terms. Putin emphasized that Russian troops in Ukraine were facing an “aggressive force armed and supported by the entire bloc of NATO,” and that their efforts were justified as a “just cause.” Putin reiterated his stance on potential peace talks, stating that any meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would occur only after “all conditions for a potential peace agreement” were met. He dismissed negotiations as a “final point,” underscoring his belief that the conflict’s resolution would be a definitive conclusion rather than a temporary truce. The scaled-down parade reflected Russia’s shifting priorities amid the war’s prolonged duration.#north_korea #moscow #russian_president_putin #ukrainian_president_zelenskyy #red_square
Vladimir Putin Suggests Ukraine War Is 'Coming to an End' Vladimir Putin has indicated that the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing its conclusion, a statement made shortly after delivering a subdued Victory Day parade in Moscow. The remarks followed a tense atmosphere in the Russian capital, where officials expressed concerns about the war's impact on the country's economy and international standing. Putin described the conflict as a "serious matter" but suggested it was moving toward resolution, emphasizing his willingness to engage in negotiations for new European security arrangements. He specifically named Germany’s former chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, as his preferred interlocutor for peace talks. The war, now in its fifth year, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction across Ukraine. Russia’s military has made limited progress in capturing the Donbas region, where Ukrainian forces have maintained a defensive line of fortified cities. Despite these advances, Moscow’s control over Ukrainian territory remains limited, with Russian operations slowing in recent months. Putin’s comments came amid a fragile ceasefire agreement, which began on Saturday, though both sides accused each other of violating the truce. The agreement also included a provision for the exchange of 1,000 prisoners each, though Russia reported no formal proposals from Ukraine on the matter. Putin’s remarks were delivered in the aftermath of a scaled-back Victory Day parade, the most restrained in years. The event featured minimal military hardware and a sparse attendance of foreign dignitaries, primarily leaders from Russia’s close allies. The parade’s subdued nature reflected growing internal anxiety in Moscow about the war’s prolonged duration and its economic toll.#ukraine #vladimir_putin #moscow #gerhard_schrder #donbas
Russia launches over 1,000 drones at Ukraine, killing 8 people KYIV — Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces launched more than 1,000 drones over the past two days, striking cities and killing at least eight people while wounding nearly 100. The attacks targeted areas in western Ukraine, far from the front lines, underscoring the ongoing nature of the conflict. The strikes have drawn attention to the fact that Moscow’s military campaign persists despite global focus on the Middle East crisis. Ukrainian authorities confirmed the casualties but provided no further details on the extent of damage or specific locations hit. The use of drones in such numbers highlights the evolving tactics in the war, with Moscow increasingly relying on unmanned systems to conduct strikes. Analysts noted that the attacks may aim to disrupt civilian infrastructure or test the effectiveness of Ukraine’s defenses. The incident has sparked renewed calls for international support, as Ukrainian officials emphasize the need for sustained assistance to counter the escalating threat.#middle_east #russia #ukraine #moscow #kyiv
Russian air defense forces have reportedly shot down 28 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. This marks the second consecutive day of drone attacks on the capital, with the mayor confirming the destruction of 28 unmanned aerial vehicles heading toward the city. Sobyanin shared the update in a social media post but provided no details about damage or casualties caused by the strikes. The attacks have disrupted critical infrastructure, with Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo international airports in southwest and northwest Moscow temporarily closing operations. Civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia announced the shutdowns due to the ongoing drone threats. Similar disruptions occurred on Saturday, when three of Moscow’s four local airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—suspended flights for several hours, affecting air traffic across the region. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, 47 drones were intercepted and destroyed near Moscow on Saturday. The ministry also reported that between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm Moscow time, air defense systems neutralized 280 Ukrainian drones flying over multiple regions, including Bryansk, Kaluga, Belgorod, Tver, Smolensk, Kursk, the Krasnodar Territory, and the Moscow region. As part of measures to counter drone attacks, Moscow city and the surrounding area have implemented selective mobile internet outages to limit potential targeting. Residents have been advised to use offline applications to maintain communication during the heightened security precautions. The repeated drone strikes highlight the intensifying conflict and the challenges faced by Russian defense systems in countering persistent aerial threats. The scale of the attacks underscores the strategic importance of Moscow as a key target in the ongoing war.#sergei_sobyanin #moscow #vnukovo_airport #sheremetyevo_airport #rosaviatsia
Russia Shoots Down 16 Ukrainian Drones Targeting Moscow Russian officials confirmed on Saturday that military forces had intercepted and destroyed 16 Ukrainian drones en route to attack Moscow. The announcement came as part of ongoing efforts to counter escalating drone strikes against the capital. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin shared updates on social media, stating that emergency responders had arrived at locations where drone debris landed. However, he did not specify whether any damage or casualties occurred on the ground. According to the Moskva 24 TV channel, three of Moscow’s four major airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—were temporarily closed for several hours due to the drone strikes. This disruption affected air traffic and highlighted the city’s vulnerability to such attacks. Officials emphasized that the closures were a precautionary measure to ensure safety and manage the situation effectively. In preparation for potential drone threats, Moscow and its surrounding regions have implemented measures to limit mobile internet access in certain areas. Residents have been advised to use offline applications to maintain critical functions during disruptions. Maxim Korkin, a regional official overseeing transport and information technology, warned citizens about possible temporary issues with mobile communications and internet connectivity. Korkin also noted that efforts are underway to ensure access to essential regional services, such as healthcare and emergency systems, in case of prolonged internet restrictions. These preparations reflect broader concerns about the increasing use of drones in military operations and the need for robust defensive strategies. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides continuing to escalate their efforts in the conflict.#russia #ukraine #moscow #sergei_sobyanin #moskva_24
