Vladimir Putin has declared that the war in Ukraine is 'coming to an end,' just hours after vowing victory in the conflict during a dramatically scaled-back parade in Moscow on Saturday. 'I think that the matter is coming to an end,' Putin told reporters regarding the war, which began over four years ago. He also expressed willingness to negotiate new security arrangements for Europe, naming former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as his preferred negotiating partner.
Victory Day Parade: A Shadow of Former Glory
Putin's comments followed the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. During the event, the Russian leader voiced confidence in achieving victory in Ukraine. 'Victory has always been and will be ours,' Putin said as columns of troops lined up on Red Square. 'The key to success is our moral strength, courage and valour, our unity and ability to endure anything and overcome any challenge.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a decree 'permitting' Russia to hold the Victory military parade and assured that his forces would not target Red Square, following a three-day ceasefire announced by Donald Trump. The parade was a far cry from previous years, which typically showcased Russia's vast military arsenal, including nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Moves
Friedrich Merz criticised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after he laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin walls. 'I deeply regret this, and we will discuss his visit to Moscow with him,' Merz said. During a meeting with Putin, Fico lamented a new 'Iron Curtain' in Europe hampering trade and emphasised Russia's energy supplies to Slovakia. Putin praised Fico for conducting a 'sovereign' foreign policy and honouring fallen Red Army soldiers.
Zelensky stated that 'Russia will not succeed in breaking Europe,' highlighting Ukraine's EU integration plans. Following a call with European Council President António Costa, Zelensky said, 'We will defend our independence and our people's right to freely choose their path. Russia will not succeed in breaking Europe or fracturing it.'
Military Casualties and Ceasefire Hopes
Kyiv reported that Russia has suffered over 1,340,000 casualties since its invasion, along with losses of 11,920 tanks, 41,712 artillery systems, and 352 helicopters. On Friday alone, Ukraine claimed to have neutralised 1,080 personnel, 1,479 UAVs, and 82 artillery systems.
Ukrainians welcomed the three-day ceasefire but stressed the need for a long-term solution. Kateryna Kizev, 22, from Kherson, said, 'This is very good because sleepless nights have gotten tiresome. At least for a few days we will sleep in peace.' Oleksandr Boik in Kharkiv added, 'This ceasefire is temporary. We need peace. It is the fifth year already. It is enough.' Ramaz Tsytsyashvili, also from Kharkiv, expressed hope for further talks: 'I have lost everything. We need peace. Perhaps there will be a miracle and this temporary silence will hold and step by step move to negotiations.'
Putin's Paranoia and Military Depletion
Analysis from The Independent suggests Putin's scaled-back parade reflects his paranoia and the war's toll on Russia's military. For the first time in nearly two decades, the parade lacked heavy military hardware due to fears of long-range Ukrainian drone strikes. Russian officials defended the slimmed-down event, with MP Yevgeny Popov stating, 'Our tanks are busy right now. They are fighting. We need them more on the battlefield than on Red Square.'
Other Developments
France arrested a Ukrainian man charged with war crimes for allegedly collaborating with Russian officials at the Izolyatsia torture prison in Donetsk from 2017 to 2019. The man, who has been living in France since 2021, is suspected of assisting in torturing detainees at the site, which was set up by Russian forces after capturing Donetsk in 2014.
