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Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism on Saturday that the conflict with Ukraine might soon conclude.
In a statement to reporters, as reported by Reuters, Putin remarked, “I believe the situation is nearing its conclusion.”
His comments followed an announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump about a three-day ceasefire to commemorate the Soviet Union’s World War II victory, which also included a significant prisoner exchange between the two countries.
The ceasefire commenced on Saturday and is scheduled to last until Monday, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social. He noted, “The celebration in Russia is for Victory Day, but similarly in Ukraine, as they played a crucial role and were significant participants in World War II.”
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated his belief that the conflict with Ukraine could soon come to an end. (Alexander Nemenov/AFP)
“This ceasefire will include a suspension of all kinetic activity, and also a prisoner swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country,” he added. “This request was made directly by me, and I very much appreciate its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
The day was celebrated with Russia’s most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years.
The war in Ukraine has dragged on for more than four years after Russia invaded the country in February 2022, with the Kremlin initially believing it could win quickly yet Russia still hasn’t been able to take the entire Donbass region.
President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Putin told reporters that he would prefer to talk to former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder when asked about talks with European leaders.
He added that he would only consider speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a lasting peace deal had been agreed upon.
On X, Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange of prisoners captured during the four-year conflict, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, France, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidency/Anadolu/Getty Images)
“Within the framework of the negotiating process mediated by the American side, we received Russia’s agreement to conduct a prisoner exchange in the format of 1,000 for 1,000,” he wrote. “A ceasefire regime must also be established on May 9, 10, and 11. Ukraine is consistently working to bring its people home from Russian captivity. I have instructed our team to promptly prepare everything necessary for the exchange.”
Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for his diplomatic involvement in the process and said he hopes the United States will make sure Moscow abides by the agreement.Â
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