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
Putin Says Ukraine Conflict 'Coming to an End' Amid Ceasefire and Parades Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed reporters after a scaled-back military parade in Moscow, stating that Russia’s conflict with Ukraine is nearing an end. The event, held to commemorate the Soviet victory in World War Two, marked a departure from previous displays of military might, with no tanks or missiles showcased due to security concerns. Authorities feared Ukraine might target Red Square with drones, a threat mitigated by a last-minute ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The parade proceeded without incident, reflecting the fragile truce between Moscow and Kyiv. In his remarks, Putin described the “special military operation” in Ukraine as a “just” war, accusing Kyiv of being an “aggressive force” backed by NATO. He condemned Western support for Ukraine, claiming it had fueled a “confrontation with Russia” that continues to this day. “I think that the matter is coming to an end,” he said, though he emphasized the gravity of the situation. The statement followed a previous assertion by Putin that Russia would only engage in peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a lasting agreement was reached. He dismissed Zelensky’s recent willingness to meet as “not the first time” such claims had been made. The ceasefire, announced over the weekend, included a prisoner exchange of 1,000 detainees from each side. However, Putin noted that Russia had not yet received formal communication from Ukraine regarding the swap. The agreement, part of a U.S.-led effort to de-escalate tensions, was not elaborated on further in the source text.#us_president_trump #russian_president_putin #ukraine_conflict #soviet_victory_celebration #red_square_parade
