Putin Claims War ‘Coming to an End’ and Offers to Meet Zelensky in Moscow

Following the May 9 parade, Vladimir Putin asserted that the “conflict in Ukraine is moving toward its end” while repeating several controversial claims regarding the war’s history and potential resolution. Putin stated he is willing to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow or a third country, though he specified that a meeting in a neutral location would only occur to sign a final agreement. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to the media following his meetings with foreign delegations at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 9, 2026. (Photo by Ramil Sitdikov / POOL / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google In a series of statements following the Victory Day parade on Saturday , May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the war in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion and addressed the possibility of a direct summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky . “I think that the matter in the Ukrainian conflict is moving toward its end,” Putin told reporters, according to Telegram channel Astra , though he did not provide a specific timeline or evidence for this assessment. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Putin repeated a narrative regarding Russia’s retreat from Kyiv in early 2022, claiming the decision was a response to a request from French President Emmanuel Macron . According to Putin, Macron argued that Ukraine could not sign peace documents in Istanbul “with a gun to its head.” Putin alleged that after the withdrawal, “globalist elites” chose to continue the conflict in hopes of causing a Russian collapse. Regarding current diplomatic efforts, Putin and his aide Yuri Ushakov claimed that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico had relayed signals of Zelensky’s interest in a meeting. Ushakov stated that Putin is ready to receive Zelensky in Moscow. “Let him call... we are ready to accept and conduct negotiations,” Ushakov said. Putin noted he is open to meeting in a third country, but only after final agreements have been reached, primarily for the purpose of a formal signing ceremony. Other Topics of Interest ISW Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 9, 2026 Latest from the Institute for the Study of War. The Office of the President of Ukraine was swift to respond to the Kremlin’s invitation. Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to the Office of the President, stated during a national telethon that while Zelensky is open to negotiations, Moscow is out of the question. “Moscow is the capital of the aggressor state. Such a format of negotiations is impossible,” Leshchenko said. President Zelensky had previously clarified his stance in April 2026, stating: “I am ready to meet with Putin. Of course, not in Moscow and not in Kyiv. We can find a place in the Middle East , Europe , or the USA – anywhere.” The exchange of public signals comes as US-mediated efforts, led by US President Donald Trump’s team, attempt to revive a 20-point peace framework . While a fragile three-day ceasefire is currently in place to facilitate a massive prisoner exchange , the core diplomatic issues – including territorial control and security guarantees – remain unresolved. The May 9 parade itself highlighted Russia’s strained military capacity, featuring no heavy equipment for the first time in decades and a column of North Korean troops, while Moscow remained protected by a temporary “no-strike zone” decreed by Zelensky for humanitarian purposes. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.