Putin Says Ukraine's 'Special Military Operation' Is Nearing Its End After Victory Day Event

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[Financial News] Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, said he believes the war with Ukraine is entering its final stage.
On the 9th local time, foreign media including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that Putin met with reporters after a World War II Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square and said, "I think this issue is moving toward a conclusion."
He referred to Russia's ongoing "special military operation" in Ukraine and strongly criticized the West for supporting the Ukrainian government.
At the news conference, he said the West had promised support for Ukraine and instead fueled confrontation with Russia, adding that "the end of this war is in sight."
In his earlier Victory Day speech, Putin called the war a "just war," sought to justify it, and blamed Ukraine.This year's Victory Day parade was held on a much smaller scale than in previous years because of security concerns, including the possibility of drone attacks from Ukraine.Thanks to a ceasefire agreement dramatically reached through the mediation of U.S. President Donald Trump, the event ended without the feared armed clashes or attacks.However, for the first time in 20 years, major military equipment such as tanks and missiles did not appear, in contrast to the past displays of Russian military power.The parade also includedKorean People's Army soldiers, foreign media reported.The media also said some Moscow residents reacted coldly to Putin's speech, citing internet disruptions and fatigue from the four-year war.
On future negotiations, Putin left open the possibility of meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but set strict preconditions.
He suggested that he could meet Zelenskyy even in a location outside Russia.
However, he added that this would only be possible at the final stage, after a final agreement on a long-term peace deal with a historical perspective.
Putin said he is willing to discuss a new security arrangement with Europe and that he would prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his negotiating partner.
BBC reported that Schröder's close ties with Putin and his past work for Russian state-owned energy companies make the choice controversial.
The broadcaster said the two sides had agreed in the temporary ceasefire deal to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Putin said he had not received anything from the Ukrainian side.
jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-joon Reporter