Putin Says Ukraine War “Coming to an End”: What It Means for Global Politics

As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled a possible turning point. Speaking after Moscow’s Victory Day parade, Putin claimed the conflict is nearing its end, while placing the blame squarely on Western powers. His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic activity, including a temporary ceasefire announcement by Donald Trump.

Why does Putin believe the conflict is nearing its end?

Putin struck a cautiously optimistic tone, suggesting that Russia has withstood what he described as a Western-backed attempt to weaken it.

"I believe that it is coming to an end. Why did it happen? Because they expected to crush Russia and destroy the statehood within a few months, but they failed. And now they got stuck in this," he said.

According to Putin, the failure of Western-backed efforts to decisively defeat Russia has led to a strategic deadlock, one that could eventually force a resolution.

He also hinted at political shifts within Europe, adding, "I hope that these political forces will step by step get back to the leadership positions, or they will seize power with the support of the vast majority of European countries."

Who does Putin blame for starting the war?

The Russian President directly blamed what he termed the “globalist wing of Western elites” for provoking the conflict, arguing that Ukraine was used as a geopolitical tool against Russia.

"They are the ones who wage the war against us with the hands of the Ukrainians. And of course, it's very comfortable for them. They provoked this conflict," Putin said.

He reiterated this claim multiple times, stating, "They are the ones who are waging this war against us with Ukrainian hands."

Putin also pointed to Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union and NATO expansion as key triggers, accusing Western leaders of misleading Moscow about their intentions.

What is the controversy around the 2022 Istanbul agreement?

Putin revived claims about a potential peace deal negotiated in Istanbul in 2022, which he said Ukraine initially accepted but later abandoned under Western pressure.

"President Macron called me and said that Ukraine cannot sign a historic document like this with a gun against their head," he said, referring to Emmanuel Macron.

He also criticised British involvement, saying, "Another representative of show business, then the Prime Minister of the UK, travelled to Ukraine. And what did he say? 'You cannot sign this; it's an unfair agreement.' But who is to say what's fair? If the Ukrainian delegation initialled this agreement, then how is it unfair?"

These remarks reflect Moscow’s long-standing narrative that Western intervention derailed early peace efforts.

How has Western support shaped the conflict?

Putin argued that sustained Western military and political backing has prolonged the war by emboldening Kyiv.

"They [Ukraine] were promised assistance, and they started to escalate this confrontation with Russia," he said.

He maintained that external support allowed Ukraine to continue fighting, rather than pushing toward a negotiated settlement earlier in the conflict.

What role does the recent ceasefire announcement play?

The remarks come shortly after Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. According to Trump, both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to the temporary truce.

While limited in scope, the ceasefire has raised hopes of renewed diplomatic engagement, even as broader tensions in Europe remain high.

(With inputs from ANI)