Putin claims that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end and mentions a future meeting with Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the war between Russia and Ukraine is "coming to an end," in remarks broadcast on Saturday, even as fighting continued on multiple fronts. The Kremlin leader also hinted that a meeting with the Ukrainian president was imminent. Volodymyr Zelensky could take place, but only after a peace agreement has been concluded.

Speaking amid heightened diplomatic and military tensions, Vladimir Putin stated that discussions with European countries remained possible, adding that he preferred to engage with them through former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, known for his close ties with Moscow. This statement comes as several European leaders continue to provide military and financial support to Kyiv.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. For more than four years, the fighting has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions of people, and caused widespread destruction in numerous Ukrainian cities.

Despite the Kremlin's pronouncements, no major diplomatic breakthrough has been announced in recent months. Ukrainian authorities continue to demand the withdrawal of Russian forces from the occupied territories before any lasting negotiations, while Moscow maintains its claims to several annexed regions.

Vladimir Putin's remarks also come as the Russian military continues its strikes on Ukrainian territory. In Kyiv, emergency services recently responded to a missile attack that damaged several vehicles and civilian infrastructure, according to images broadcast by Reuters.

The Russian president has not given any specific timetable for a possible end to hostilities. However, by publicly mentioning the possibility of an agreement and a future meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Kremlin seems to be trying to show that a political solution to the conflict remains conceivable, despite the current absence of direct negotiations between the two sides.