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
