Putin Says Ukraine War Is “Coming to an End,” Open to Talks with Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the war in Ukraine is approaching its final stage, speaking to journalists at the Kremlin after Russia’s subdued Victory Day commemorations on May 9. “I think the matter is coming to an end,” Putin stated, while again insisting that Moscow remained open to negotiations under certain conditions. During the briefing, Putin repeated long-standing Kremlin claims that Western countries were responsible for escalating the conflict....