Putin says the war in Ukraine could be ‘over’ within three days of the ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that he thinks the war with Ukraine could end soon.

“I think this issue is coming to an end,” Putin told reporters, according to Reuters.

Putin’s comments came a day after Trump announced a three-day ceasefire to celebrate the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II, and a prisoner exchange between the two countries.

The ceasefire began on Saturday and will continue until Monday, Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Russia’s celebration is Victory Day but, likewise, in Ukraine, because it was also a big part of World War II.”

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“This suspension will include the suspension of all kinetic activities, and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners in each country,” he added. “This request was made directly by me, and I am very grateful for its agreement by President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”

The day was celebrated with Russia’s most delayed Victory Day parade in years.

The war in Ukraine has dragged on for more than four years after Russia invaded the country in February 2022, the Kremlin initially believed it could win quickly but Russia has not been able to take over the entire Donbass region.

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President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Putin told reporters that he would like to speak with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder when asked about talks with European leaders.

He added that he would only consider talking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a permanent peace deal had been agreed.

In X, Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange of prisoners held during the four-year conflict, which began when Russia launched a full-scale attack on its neighbor.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, France, on Dec. 7, 2024. (Office of the President of Ukraine/Anadolu/Getty Images)

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“Within the framework of the negotiation process mediated by the American side, we obtained a Russian agreement to exchange prisoners in the form of 1,000 for 1,000,” he wrote. “A ceasefire must also be established on May 9, 10, and 11. Ukraine is always working to bring its people home from captivity in Russia.

Zelenskyy also thanked Trump for his diplomatic involvement in the process and said he hoped the United States would ensure that Moscow kept the agreement.

Louis Casiano of Fox News contributed to this report.