Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war between Russia and Ukraine may be nearing its conclusion, as both sides observe a short ceasefire announced to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
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Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Putin said he believed the conflict, which has lasted more than four years, was approaching its final stage. According to Reuters, the Russian leader said he believed “the matter is coming to an end.”
He also indicated Russia was willing to discuss broader European security arrangements, suggesting that negotiations on the continent’s future security framework could follow the fighting.
Ceasefire Linked to Victory Day
The comments came shortly after the announcement of a temporary halt in hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to pause fighting for three days beginning on Saturday. The pause coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, an annual commemoration marking the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Trump said he hoped the temporary ceasefire could lead to a longer break in fighting.
“I’d like to see a big extension,” he said in an interview with NewsNation when asked whether he planned to speak with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about prolonging the truce.
The U.S. president said the brief halt in combat could save lives and create space for further diplomacy.
“We have a little period of time where they’re not going to be killing people,” Trump said. “That’s very good.”
Prisoner Exchange Planned
Trump also said both sides had agreed to conduct a prisoner exchange during the ceasefire period.
According to the president, around 1,000 prisoners held by each side are expected to be transferred back in what would be one of the largest exchanges since the war began.
“They also agreed to give a thousand prisoners back,” Trump said, adding that the transfers were expected to begin almost immediately.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has sought to broker an end to the conflict and has met separately with both Putin and Zelensky.
Despite those diplomatic efforts, the war has continued, and negotiations have yet to produce a lasting settlement.
Relations between Trump and Zelensky have at times been strained. A meeting between the two leaders in 2025 drew significant attention after it became marked by visible tensions.
The latest ceasefire announcement and Putin’s comments about the war nearing its end may signal a potential shift in the conflict. However, it remains unclear whether the temporary truce will lead to extended negotiations or a more durable halt to the fighting.
Uncertain Prospects for Peace
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, has resulted in widespread destruction, heavy military casualties and millions of displaced people.
Although the current ceasefire is limited to three days, officials in Washington have suggested they hope the pause could create momentum for broader peace talks.
For now, the truce offers only a short respite from the fighting while diplomatic efforts continue.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 May 2026
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