Victory Day remarks raise hopes for diplomacy

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the war in Ukraine may be approaching its conclusion, while also expressing willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country if a long-term peace agreement is reached.

Putin made the comments after Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, where he praised Russian troops involved in the conflict and declared that “victory will be ours”. The annual event commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

Speaking to reporters after the parade, Putin said he believed the conflict was “coming to an end” and blamed Western powers and NATO expansion for triggering the war.

Ceasefire and prisoner exchange announced

Russia and Ukraine have also agreed to a temporary three-day ceasefire along with a planned exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. The developments have raised cautious optimism about possible diplomatic progress.

United States President Donald Trump said both countries accepted his proposal for a ceasefire running through Monday. He described the agreement as a possible “beginning of the end” of the war.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, both sides continued accusing each other of violating the truce.

Putin open to meeting Zelenskyy

Putin said he would be willing to meet Zelenskyy in a third country, but only after a final peace treaty is completed. He stressed that such a meeting would be for signing a comprehensive agreement rather than conducting negotiations.

Zelenskyy has previously called for direct talks with Putin but rejected earlier suggestions of travelling to Moscow for discussions.

The war, now lasting more than four years, has caused widespread destruction across Ukraine and placed growing economic pressure on Russia. Russian forces continue to control significant territory in eastern and southern Ukraine, though advances have slowed in recent months.

Putin also signalled openness to future discussions with European leaders regarding regional security arrangements, while mentioning former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as a preferred figure for dialogue.