Moscow signals Ukraine conflict is nearing conclusion amid Trump-brokered ceasefire
The Kremlin has proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a preferred negotiator while awaiting Ukrainian proposals on a prisoner swap component of the US-led peace deal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the conflict in Ukraine is heading towards an end, a comment delivered after the annual Victory Day parade commemorating the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. Speaking to reporters, the Kremlin leader addressed questions regarding the extent of Western military aid to Kyiv, arguing that the confrontation started by the West is now moving towards a conclusion.
These remarks were made while Moscow and Kyiv observed a three-day ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. The truce, announced on Friday following negotiations in Washington, coincided with the Victory Day celebrations, though the pause in hostilities has already been complicated by mutual accusations of breaching the agreement on the ground.
When asked to identify a preferred European Union negotiator for future talks, Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. The Russian leader described Schröder as a longtime personal friend and one of his closest Western allies, despite the former chancellor facing significant domestic criticism in Germany for his historical ties to Russia, including lucrative board positions at state-linked energy firms.
The Russian president noted that Moscow had not yet received any proposals from Ukraine regarding a prisoner swap, a key element of the US-led peace deal. Putin expressed that the Kremlin is counting on Kyiv to respond to the proposal made by the President of the United States, stating that unfortunately, no such proposals had been received so far.
Putin indicated that he would only meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once a lasting peace agreement is reached. The Russian leader further discussed the war in Iran, expressing hope that it would end soon, while warning that everyone would lose out if the conflict continued.
European Council President Antonio Costa has stated that the EU is prepared to hold separate talks with both Russia and Ukraine when the right moment arrives. The Russian president's assertion that the matter is coming to an end serves as a direct response to inquiries about whether Western assistance to Ukraine has gone too far, framing the current situation as a serious matter that is nonetheless nearing its conclusion.
