Putin said he arrived at the conclusion based on the “situation on the battlefield,” despite the frontlines being static for months.
“As for my statement that, in my view, the matter is approaching its end — I made that statement not lightly, but based on an analysis of the situation on the battlefield, where our forces are advancing on all fronts; you see it every day,” the dictator said.
He added that “it is impossible to set specific timeframes under combat conditions.”
On May 9, Putin said he would be willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country only to sign final agreements to end the war, while again saying the conflict was nearing its end.
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said there are no signs the Kremlin intends to stop the aggression. They pointed to Putin’s explanation for the absence of military equipment at the May 9 parade — that Russia’s forces must “focus on the final defeat of Ukraine” — as evidence Moscow remains committed to maximalist goals aimed at forcing Ukraine’s capitulation.
People cited by Bloomberg said Putin wants to end the war by
the end of the year, but only on terms he considers favorable. Those conditions
reportedly include full control of the Donbas and a broad security agreement
with Europe that would effectively recognize Russia’s territorial gains, one
source told Bloomberg.