Putin: War is moving towards its end, proposes conditions for EU talks

Victory Day, a date steeped in Russian history and remembrance, took on a new significance this year as President Vladimir Putin signaled a potential end to the protracted conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters after a notably scaled-back Victory Day celebration, Putin expressed a belief that the war is "moving towards its end." This statement, made on a day commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, carries profound weight, especially as the current conflict in Ukraine has now surpassed the duration of the USSR's pivotal role in World War II.

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I think it is moving towards its end.

The subdued nature of the Victory Day parade, with fewer military units present due to their engagement on the front lines, was a stark visual representation of Russia's current state. As noted by Johan Huovinen, a lecturer at the Swedish Defence University, the presence of mothers and wives of fallen soldiers, carrying their husbands' and sons' uniforms, was a new and somber element. Putin's timing in making these remarks on Victory Day appears to be a deliberate political signal, acknowledging the immense suffering Russia has endured, a sentiment echoed by Huovinen.

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The Victory Day celebration was symbolic of Russia's state. If you look at those who marched, there were no large military units – they are engaged at the front. So it was mothers and wives of the fallen, they carried their husbands' and sons' uniforms. That was something new.

While Putin indicated a willingness to see the conflict conclude, he remains firm on not engaging directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy until a lasting peace agreement is negotiated. This stance contrasts with recent signals from the EU, which appears open to exploring dialogue with Russia without Kyiv's direct involvement, a shift from their previous policy. The EU's potential change of heart, as reported by the Financial Times, stems from frustration with stalled US-led negotiations.

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This is also a type of diplomacy. Putin shows that he understands that Russia has suffered.

Adding another layer to the diplomatic landscape, Putin put forward Gerhard Schröder, the former German Chancellor, as a potential candidate to lead discussions with the EU. This nomination, however, is not without controversy, given Schröder's continued involvement with Russian energy giant Rosneft following the invasion of Ukraine. This development highlights the complex and often contradictory currents shaping international relations as the conflict grinds on.

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I am talking with the 27 EU leaders to see the best way to organize ourselves and identify what we need to discuss with Russia when the time comes.