Putin afirma que la guerra con Ucrania “se acerca a su fin

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 9, 2026, that he believes the conflict in Ukraine is approaching its conclusion.

Speaking to journalists at the Kremlin, Putin addressed the state of the war, noting that while he considers the matter to be nearing its end, it remains a serious issue.

The announcement followed Russia’s celebration of Victory Day, a national holiday commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The 2026 festivities honored the 27 million Soviet citizens who died during that war.

Victory Day Parade and NATO Claims

The May 9 event featured a Victory Day parade described as the most reduced in recent years. The procession was conducted without tanks and was reportedly held with the permission of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

During the events, Putin framed the conflict as a broader struggle, asserting We fought against the entire NATO block.

This statement comes amid a geopolitical crisis that has been described as the most severe strain on relations between Russia and the West since the Cuban missile crisis, a period during which international concerns grew that the world was on the verge of nuclear war.

Military Status in the Donbas

Despite the president’s comments on the war’s end, military objectives in eastern Ukraine remain incomplete. Over the course of four years of the conflict—the deadliest European conflict since World War II—Russian forces have not successfully taken full control of the Donbas region.

Reporting indicates that troops from Kyiv have retreated toward a line of fortified cities within the region, contributing to the ongoing difficulty Russia has faced in securing a total victory.

Prisoner Exchange Status

On the same day, May 9, 2026, Putin provided an update on humanitarian negotiations, stating that he had not yet received any proposal from Ukraine regarding an exchange of prisoners.

The invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, continues to shape the security landscape of Europe as both sides maintain their positions in the east.