Putin Says Ukraine War Nearing End as Ceasefire Begins Amid Violations

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine is moving toward an end on May 9, 2026, as a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire began, with both sides accusing each other of violations despite a lack of major strikes. Speaking after a scaled-down Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin blamed the West for prolonging the conflict and reiterated that Ukraine's resistance was backed by NATO.