What Happened

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested Russia's conflict with Ukraine could be drawing to a close.

Speaking after Saturday's scaled-back Victory Day military parade in Moscow, he said: "I matter is coming " - referring to the "special military operation" in Ukraine - while condemning Western support for Kyiv.

The parade - marking the Soviet victory - lacked the usual display missiles, as authorities feared Ukraine might target Red Square.

A US-brokered ceasefire reduced the danger of attacks and the parade passed off without incident. However Ukraine and Russia later accused violating the three-day truce.

Why It Matters

Putin's comments annual Victory Day speech to justify the war.

In that speech he said Russia was fighting a "just" war and called Ukraine an "aggressive force" "armed and supported ".

Later, a news conference helping Ukraine, Putin said: "They (West) promised assistance fuelling a confrontation with Russia that continues . I matter is coming , a serious matter."

Russian forces seized Crimea eastern Ukraine in 2014, then launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

What Comes Next

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky once a lasting agreed to.

"A meeting in a third country is also possible, agreements have been reached on a peace treaty for a long‑term historical perspective, (treaty), a final step," he continued.

Zelensky a personal meeting but added " statements".

willing to negotiate new security arrangements for Europe, preferred negotiating partner would be Germany's former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

The ex-chancellor is a longstanding friend of Putin, and controversial because Russian state-owned energy firms.

Last week European Council President António believed there was "potential" negotiate with Russia, and that Zelensky favoured such a move. Quoted by the Financial Times, consulting EU leaders on " effectively to discuss with Russia moment ".

-led ceasefire weekend, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. Saturday that Russia Ukraine about any exchanges.

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