Russian President, Vladimir Putin said he believes the war in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, speaking to reporters after a subdued Victory Day parade in Moscow on Saturday.
"I think that the matter is coming to an end," Putin said, referring to Russia’s "special military operation" in Ukraine.
He made the comments after the annual Red Square parade, which was scaled back amid security concerns over possible drone attacks.
The usual display of tanks and missiles was absent this year and authorities cited fears that Kyiv might target the capital.
A last-minute ceasefire brokered by the United States (US) President Donald Trump reduced the immediate threat and allowed the event to pass off without incident.
Putin’s comments came hours after he used his Victory Day speech to justify the war, calling it a "just" conflict and describing Ukraine as an "aggressive force" backed by Nato.
At a later press conference, he accused the West of fuelling the confrontation by promising aid and then escalating tensions.
“They promised assistance and then began fuelling a confrontation with Russia that continues to this day. I think that the matter is coming to an end, but it is a serious matter," he said.
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Russia annexed Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine in 2014 before launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Putin said he would only meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky once a final peace deal was agreed.
"A meeting in a third country is also possible, but only once final agreements have been reached on a peace treaty for a long-term historical perspective. It must be a final step," he said.
Putin added that he had heard Zelensky was open to a personal meeting, though he recalled similar statements had been made before.
According to him, he would be willing to discuss new European security arrangements, naming former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as his preferred negotiating partner.
Schroder, a longstanding friend of Putin, has faced criticism for his work with Russian state energy firms, reports said.
Last week, European Council President Antonio Costa said there was "potential" for the European Union (EU) to negotiate with Russia and that Zelensky favoured such a move.
As part of the US-led ceasefire deal, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a swap of 1,000 prisoners each over the weekend.
Putin said on Saturday that Russia had not yet received confirmation from Ukraine about the exchanges.
For the first time in nearly two decades, no military hardware appeared at the Red Square parade, which the Kremlin typically uses to showcase its military strength.
Reports added that fewer journalists attended, with several international outlets denied access.
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