Putin Says Ukraine War ‘Coming to an End’ as Trump-Brokered Ceasefire Takes Effect

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled that the war in Ukraine may be nearing a conclusion, as a three-day ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump officially came into force on Saturday.

The temporary ceasefire, which runs through Monday, includes a major prisoner exchange involving 1,000 captives from each side — one of the largest swaps since the conflict began in 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Kyiv’s participation in the agreement and said preparations for the exchange were already underway.

Speaking to reporters, Putin said he believes “the matter is coming to an end,” raising cautious hopes that the more than four-year-long war could finally be entering a diplomatic phase. The ceasefire coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s role in World War II.

Trump described the agreement as a pause in “all kinetic activity” and praised both Moscow and Kyiv for accepting the proposal. He emphasized that Ukraine also played a major role in the Second World War and framed the truce as a symbolic step toward peace.

Despite the optimism, analysts remain skeptical about whether the ceasefire can evolve into a lasting settlement. Russia and Ukraine remain deeply divided over territorial control, security guarantees, and NATO-related concerns. Moscow still has not achieved full control over the Donbas region despite years of fighting and heavy military losses.

Putin also indicated that he would only consider direct talks with Zelenskyy after a permanent peace framework is finalized. Instead, he expressed interest in discussions with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who has long maintained close ties with the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy thanked the United States for its diplomatic role and urged Washington to ensure Russia honors the agreement. Ukrainian officials remain cautious, noting that previous ceasefires have often collapsed amid renewed attacks and accusations from both sides.

The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has caused massive destruction, displaced millions of civilians, and reshaped global security politics. While the current truce may only be temporary, it represents one of the clearest signals in months that both sides could be exploring a path toward negotiations rather than continued escalation.