Putin Says Russia-Ukraine War Nearing End After Trump-Announced Ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he believes the war with Ukraine could end soon.

"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin told reporters, according to Reuters.

Putin's comments came a day after Trump announced a three-day ceasefire to mark the Soviet Union's victory in World War II, along with a major prisoner exchange between the two nations.

The ceasefire started Saturday and runs through Monday, Trump wrote on Truth Social. "The celebration in Russia is for Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because they were also a big part and factor of World War II."

"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."

Russia marked the day with its most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years.

The war has lasted more than four years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin had expected a quick win but still has not captured the entire Donbass region.

Putin told reporters he would prefer to speak with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder about talks with European leaders. He said he would only consider talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a lasting peace deal.

On X, Zelenskyy confirmed the prisoner exchange for those captured in the four-year conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion.

"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 thanked Trump for his role in the diplomacy and said he hopes the United States will ensure Moscow follows the agreement.