Putin: War in Ukraine may be coming to an end

TT

Updated 21.17 | Published 20.49

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Archive photo. Photo: Ramil Sitdikov /AP/TT

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine may be coming to an end.

The statement was made at a meeting with journalists in Moscow during the important Victory Day for Russia.

At a press conference during the so-called Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9 each year to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Germany in World War II, Putin said he was ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the state-controlled Tass news agency reported.

A meeting with Zelensky could take place not only in Moscow but also in a third country, but only to sign an agreement, Putin added.

Putin also reiterates earlier propaganda claims that the war in Ukraine began after Kiev’s attempt to join the EU, and that Western politicians provoked the war.

It is uncertain whether Putin has commented on the terms of peace.

During the day, the Russian president has participated in celebrations in Moscow, where an unusually scaled-down military parade was held, without tanks, missiles or other heavy weapons systems. The Russian Defense Ministry has explained this by “the current operational situation”.