10.05.2026 01:03
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated regarding the Ukraine war, which has been ongoing for 4 years, "I think this issue is nearing its end." Putin indicated he is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in any third country, but said this would only be to conclude a peace agreement that ends the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a press conference after the 9 May Victory Day celebrations on Moscow's Red Square, marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
"IF UKRAINE HAD TARGETED THE VICTORY DAY PARADE..."
Putin made significant statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Stating that they were prepared to target Kyiv if the ceasefire, mutually declared for Victory Day, was violated by Ukraine, Putin said, "If Ukraine had targeted the Victory Day Parade, the center of Kyiv would have faced heavy retaliatory rocket strikes. We worked particularly with our friends and some partners during this process. We coordinated with China, India, and even the US."
Putin added that they had notified the US side during the ceremonies that they would retaliate against potential attacks.
"NO RESPONSE TO THE PRISONER EXCHANGE PROPOSAL"
Putin also stated that after US President Donald Trump announced on May 5 that a prisoner exchange involving a thousand people could take place between Ukraine and Russia, they contacted the Kyiv side. "US President Mr. Donald Trump made proposals regarding a 3-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange. We immediately accepted these proposals. On May 5, we submitted a prisoner exchange offer to the Ukrainian side and sent a list of 500 Ukrainians in Russia. First, they asked for time to review the list. Then they said that instead of 500 prisoners, 200 could be exchanged. After that, communication was cut off, and they said they were not ready for such an exchange. They clearly did not want a prisoner exchange," he said.
"I THINK THE END OF THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE IS NEAR"
In response to a journalist's question about the progress of the conflict in Ukraine, Putin gave a brief answer: "I think the end of the conflict in Ukraine is near."
However, Putin argued that some Western leaders are striving to prolong the conflict in Ukraine. "Some Western politicians want to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. Initially, they expected Russia to suffer a heavy defeat. They thought our state would collapse within a few months. But then they hit a dead end and cannot get out. However, there are also intelligent people in Europe who understand what is happening. I hope these political forces gradually come to power with the overwhelming majority in European countries," he said.
CONDITION FOR MEETING WITH ZELENSKY: A PERMANENT PEACE AGREEMENT
The Russian leader indicated his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in any third country. However, Putin added that this would only be to conclude a peace agreement ending the war.
"MACRON ASKED ME TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM KYIV"
Stating that negotiations with Ukraine had taken place previously but that some Western leaders pressured the Kyiv side not to sign the agreed text, Putin referred to the talks hosted by Turkey in Istanbul in 2022. Putin said, "In 2022, Macron called me and said Ukraine would not sign documents under duress in Istanbul. He asked me to withdraw troops from Kyiv."
The Russian leader recalled that they withdrew accordingly, arguing that Western countries fueled the conflict by providing weapons support to Kyiv during this process.
Putin stated that he had a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who conveyed a message that Zelensky might meet with him. "Mr. Fico spoke about his meeting with Zelensky. Although not specific, he said Zelensky was ready for a one-on-one meeting with me," he said.
"THE US INITIALLY AGREED TO TRANSFER URANIUM FROM IRAN TO RUSSIA BUT THEN BACKED OUT"
After his statements on Ukraine, Putin addressed the ongoing Iran crisis in the Middle East, saying, "If the matter escalates further, to a higher level of conflict, everyone will lose."
Putin noted that the US and Israel initially agreed to the transfer of uranium from Iran to Russia, but the US later reneged. "As I just said, we are ready to repeat this experience. Initially, everyone agreed. US representatives agreed, Iran agreed, Israel agreed. But later, the US hardened its position and demanded that the uranium be transferred only to US territory. After that, Iran also hardened its position," he stated.
Putin added, "I was told: 'We are no longer ready to send this enriched uranium anywhere.'"
"THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST PUTS US IN A VERY DIFFICULT POSITION"
Stating that the conflict in the Middle East puts them in a difficult position and emphasizing their good relations with Gulf countries, Putin said, "Regarding Iran and the US, this is a very heavy and complex conflict. It puts us in a very difficult position because we have good relations with Iran and, without exaggeration, friendly relations with the Gulf countries."
Meanwhile, Putin also touched upon Armenia's plans to join the European Union (EU), underlining that this process requires "special evaluation."