The war in Ukraine is now nearing its end, with President Vladimir Putin giving a major indication on Victory Day.

New Delhi. Russia celebrated Victory Day on May 9th in Moscow’s Red Square. Prior to the event, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany and the victims of World War II, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire in the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine confirmed this, stating that all military activities had been halted from May 9th to 11th.

The ceasefire is about to expire, and before that happens, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a major statement regarding the Ukraine war. Putin stated, “I believe the fighting in Ukraine is now nearing its end.” He added that Slovakia’s Fico told him that Zelensky (Ukraine’s President) was ready to meet with him. Putin further stated that they could meet in a third country.

He left the door open for a meeting with Zelensky in a third country, but with a condition. The Russian president stated clearly that such a meeting was possible only if a lasting peace agreement was reached. Referring to the United States, he said, “We are grateful to the United States for its help in advancing the negotiations, but this is a matter only between Russia and Ukraine.”

The Russian president also expressed hope for a speedy end to the Iran war and hinted at a significant agreement with China. Putin stated that Russia and China are very close to a significant gas and oil deal. Significantly, US President Trump, taking credit for the three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, expressed hope that this ceasefire would mark the beginning of the end of this long and deadly war.

Trump praised Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky for accepting his request for a ceasefire. He also said that both countries had agreed to hand over 1,000 prisoners of war to each other.