Putin says he thinks Ukraine war coming to an end

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 9, 2026, that he believes the Ukraine war is "coming to an end," speaking after Russia's Victory Day parade and in response to questions about Western military aid to Ukraine. His remarks coincide with a three-day ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump following Washington-brokered negotiations, though Putin said Moscow had not yet received Ukrainian responses to a proposed prisoner exchange and stated he would only engage in direct talks with President Zelenskyy after a lasting peace agreement was reached.