Putin says Ukraine war nearing end, seeks talks
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- Putin said the Ukraine war is “coming to an end” and offered to hold direct talks with President Zelenskyy in Moscow or a neutral country.
- Putin stated he would meet Zelenskyy only after a peace agreement is settled, rejecting President Trump’s August 2025 proposal for a trilateral meeting.
- Putin named former German Chancellor Schröder as his preferred partner for new security arrangements with Europe.
- Putin blamed Western military aid to Ukraine and NATO expansion for prolonging the conflict, calling the latter a “matter of life and death” for Russia.
- Ukraine reported at least three civilian deaths and roughly 150 combat engagements in the past 24 hours despite a short U.S.-backed ceasefire.
Why it matters: If Putin's overture leads to a settlement, Russia could lift sanctions and cut war expenses, while Ukraine risks losing leverage in negotiations; the West's support may be questioned as fighting continues.
