Putin says war in Ukraine nearing its end, criticizes Western support

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Victory Day that the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, a sentiment echoed during the annual military parade in Moscow. Addressing the troops, Putin framed the ongoing struggle as a righteous fight against an aggressive NATO-backed force, underscoring his administration's strategic objectives.

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Þau hófu að magna upp átökin við Rússland, sem halda áfram enn þann dag í dag.

In a press conference following the parade, Putin responded to questions about Western military aid to Ukraine. He asserted that Western nations initiated and continue to fuel the escalation of hostilities against Russia. Despite acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he expressed a belief that the conflict is moving towards its end, a stark contrast to Western narratives anticipating Russia's defeat and state collapse.

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Ég held að þau [átökin] séu að færast í átt að endalokum en þetta er samt alvarlegt mál

Putin also addressed the prospects of peace negotiations, stating his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only when all prerequisites for a peace agreement are fulfilled. He emphasized that the conclusion of negotiations, rather than the negotiations themselves, should be the ultimate goal. This stance highlights Russia's position on the conditions for ending the conflict, suggesting a demand for Ukraine and its Western allies to meet specific terms before substantive peace talks can commence.

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Það gekk ekki eftir.