Vladimir Putin has claimed the war in Ukraine 'is coming to an end' and made a rare mention of President Volodymyr Zelensky by name, suggesting they could meet in a third country to discuss a peace agreement. The Russian leader's comments come during a three-day ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump, which Putin agreed to after Ukraine's domestically-produced missiles and drones caused significant damage to critical Russian targets.
Putin's Shift in Tone
Putin's unexpected change in rhetoric comes amid speculation of near-mutiny within his security apparatus, with unconfirmed rumours of a coup plot and growing paranoia about his personal safety. 'I think the matter is coming to an end,' he said, referring to the conflict he initiated over four years ago. He framed the prospect of ending the war as a consequence of the West's inability to inflict a 'crushing defeat' on Russia, making no mention of his own military setbacks in failing to seize Ukraine, which has recently struck his vital infrastructure with considerable force.
Rare Mention of Zelensky
For the first time in nearly eighteen months, Putin spoke Zelensky's name, stating: 'I simply heard again that the Ukrainian side, Mr Zelensky, is ready to hold a personal meeting.' Notably, he stopped short of labelling him an 'illegitimate' president. Putin reiterated his stance that he would meet Zelensky in Moscow but also suggested they could convene in a 'third country' to finalise a peace agreement. 'I'm not proposing this meeting, but if someone does, please let whoever wants to meet come, let them come to Moscow, and we'll meet. We could meet in a third country, but only after final agreements have been reached on a peace treaty, which should have a long-term historical perspective,' he said.
