Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 9, 2026, that he believes the war in Ukraine is coming to an end, according to state media reports. The remarks came just hours after he presided over a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow, which commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
During the parade, Putin vowed that Russia would achieve victory in Ukraine, but the event was notably smaller than in previous years, with fewer troops and military hardware on display. Analysts suggest the reduced scale reflects ongoing challenges in the conflict, now in its third year.
Putin's comments on the war's trajectory were made during a meeting with military officials, though he did not provide a specific timeline for an end to hostilities. The war, which began in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides.
The Kremlin has not elaborated on Putin's statement, and there has been no immediate response from Ukrainian officials. The conflict continues to draw international attention, with Western nations maintaining sanctions against Russia.
