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Putin Says Ukraine War May Be Nearing Its End

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could be approaching an end, saying after Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow that the “special military operation” was “coming to an end.” During his speech, Putin criticised Western nations for continuing to support and arm Ukraine, accusing Nato countries of fuelling the conflict. The annual Red Square parade was notably scaled back this year, with no tanks or heavy military hardware displayed amid fears of possible Ukrainian attacks.

Putin also indicated he would only agree to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once a long-term peace agreement had been finalised. He said negotiations could take place in a third country and mentioned former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiating partner for broader European security discussions. Meanwhile, European leaders have hinted at possible future talks with Moscow, with EU officials saying there may be potential for negotiations at the right moment.

Although a US-brokered temporary ceasefire reduced tensions during the Victory Day celebrations, both Russia and Ukraine later accused each other of violating the truce through drone strikes and artillery attacks. The two sides have agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but Moscow claims it has yet to receive confirmation from Kyiv. The conflict, which began with Russia’s seizure of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in 2022, continues despite renewed diplomatic signals.

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Putin Uses Victory Day Speech to Defend Ukraine War and Criticize NATO

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Russian President Vladimir Putin used his Victory Day speech in Moscow’s Red Square to justify the ongoing war in Ukraine and accuse NATO of backing an “aggressive force” against Russia. Addressing military personnel and invited world leaders, Putin described the conflict as a “just” fight and praised Russian soldiers involved in what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”

This year’s Victory Day celebrations were noticeably scaled back, with no military hardware displayed in the Moscow parade for the first time in nearly two decades. Russian officials said tanks and other equipment were needed on the battlefield in Ukraine, while heightened security concerns over possible drone attacks also led to tighter restrictions and reduced public celebrations in several cities.

Despite the reduced scale, thousands of soldiers marched through Red Square alongside troops from allied nations, including North Korea. The event came amid a temporary three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although both sides accused each other of violating the truce. Victory Day remains one of Russia’s most important national holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War Two.

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Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame as WW2 Ceasefire Fails Amid Ongoing Attacks

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Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a two-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Moscow claimed Ukrainian drones and artillery targeted Russian regions including Belgorod, Kursk, Moscow, and Perm, while Kyiv said Russian forces continued overnight strikes on Ukrainian positions despite the truce announcement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the limited holiday ceasefire and instead called for an indefinite truce, accusing Russia of making no real attempt to stop fighting. Russia warned that any disruption to Saturday’s Victory Day parade in Moscow would trigger a major missile response against Kyiv, while security around the Kremlin and Red Square has been significantly tightened ahead of the event.

The war, now in its fifth year since Russia’s 2022 invasion, continues with no breakthrough in peace talks. Russia currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, though advances have slowed this year. Moscow is using the WW2 Victory Day celebrations to rally public support, but rising security concerns and disruptions across the capital reflect growing tensions as both sides continue heavy drone, missile, and artillery attacks.

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Russia Restricts Mobile Internet Ahead of Victory Day Parade

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Russia has limited mobile internet access in major cities including Moscow and St Petersburg ahead of the May 9 World War II Victory Day parade. Authorities say the мера is necessary to ensure security amid fears of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have intensified in recent months. While mobile data services were disrupted, basic phone calls continued to function in many areas.

The ограничения have caused widespread inconvenience, affecting digital payments, navigation, and taxi services. Major companies like Sberbank and Yandex warned users about potential service disruptions. Reports indicated that internet outages extended beyond the capital to several regions across European Russia, forcing many residents to rely on VPNs.

The меры come amid escalating conflict following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both sides increasingly deploying drones in warfare. Russian officials said hundreds of Ukrainian drones were intercepted overnight, while a refinery in the Leningrad region was hit, sparking a fire. The annual parade has been scaled back this year due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict.

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Russia to Hold Victory Day Parade Without Military Equipment

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Russia will mark its annual Victory Day celebration on May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, but this year’s military parade will not feature any heavy equipment. The Defence Ministry said the decision is due to the ongoing operational situation linked to the war in Ukraine. Instead, the parade will focus on marching servicemen from various military branches and educational institutions.

Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, remains one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. Traditionally known for showcasing tanks, missile systems, and other military hardware, the event will still include an air force flypast displaying the national flag colors, along with personnel representing different arms of the military.

The announcement comes as fighting in Ukraine continues, with Russia claiming gradual advances while peace talks remain stalled. President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his aim of securing full control over the Donbas region, while Ukraine continues to resist and hold its positions.

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Russian Publisher Staff Questioned Over ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Probe

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One of Russia’s largest publishers, Eksmo, said several employees have been questioned by authorities over alleged “LGBT propaganda” in its book catalogue. The development follows reports of raids by investigators in Moscow, though the company denied any searches or seizures, stating that four staff members, including its director, were taken in for questioning.

The case is linked to Russia’s broader crackdown on LGBT-related content under President Vladimir Putin, whose government has labeled the “LGBT movement” as extremist. Authorities have increasingly targeted companies across media and publishing sectors, imposing fines and scrutiny on content deemed to violate strict laws promoting traditional values.

Eksmo said the investigation relates to books published by Popcorn Books, a former subsidiary known for young adult titles featuring LGBT themes. The company indicated that the probe stems from a 2025 criminal case involving certain titles and missing inventory. While the legal status of those questioned remains unclear, the incident highlights intensifying pressure on Russia’s publishing industry amid tightening censorship rules.

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Blogger vs State TV Sparks Row in Russia

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A public dispute has erupted in Russia after celebrity blogger Victoria Bonya responded sharply to criticism from state TV host Vladimir Solovyov. The clash followed Bonya’s viral video appeal to President Vladimir Putin, in which she said he was being shielded from the country’s real problems, including corruption and pressure on ordinary citizens. The video drew tens of millions of views and prompted rare acknowledgment from the Kremlin.

Solovyov accused Bonya on air of working with Western interests and called for authorities to investigate her, using harsh and personal language. In response, Bonya condemned his remarks as misogynistic and demanded he be removed from television. She argued that insults directed at her also demean single mothers and women more broadly, gaining support from parts of the public.

Escalating the feud, Bonya said she may pursue legal action and circulated a viral AI-generated video mocking Solovyov. Meanwhile, some Russians interviewed expressed sympathy for her, saying public figures should not use their platforms to insult others and that citizens have the right to voice concerns about their country.

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Russian Blogger Detained After Criticizing Putin

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Ilya Remeslo, a Russian pro-Kremlin blogger, has been admitted to St. Petersburg’s Psychiatric Hospital No. 3 after posting a viral manifesto denouncing President Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. Remeslo, previously known for attacking Putin’s critics, called for the president’s resignation and trial as a war criminal, citing the conflict’s human and economic toll.

His sudden turn against Putin shocked both pro-war bloggers and the exiled opposition community. In his Telegram post, Remeslo criticized Putin for prosecuting a “failing war” that has killed millions and severely harmed Russia’s economy and citizens’ welfare.

The hospital confirmed his admission but provided no details about the reason or timing. The 42-year-old lawyer and former member of a Kremlin advisory council had previously been a harsh critic of Alexei Navalny, the late opposition leader who died in a penal colony in 2024.

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UK and European Allies Blame Russia for Navalny’s Death, Cite Rare Dart Frog Toxin

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The UK and several European allies have accused Russia of killing opposition leader Alexei Navalny using epibatidine, a rare toxin derived from South American dart frogs. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said analysis of material samples found on Navalny’s body showed the presence of the toxin, arguing that only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy it during his imprisonment in a Siberian penal colony. A joint statement by the UK, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands held Moscow responsible.

Epibatidine is an extremely potent neurotoxin, estimated to be far stronger than morphine, and can cause paralysis, seizures, respiratory failure and death. It is naturally found in certain wild dart frogs in South America and is not known to occur in Russia. The UK has informed the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons of what it describes as a breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Russia, through state media and officials, has dismissed the claims as part of an “information campaign”.

Navalny, a prominent anti-corruption campaigner and critic of President Vladimir Putin, died on 16 February 2024 at the age of 47 while serving a prison sentence. He had previously survived a Novichok poisoning in 2020 before returning to Russia, where he was arrested. His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, welcomed the latest findings, saying they confirmed her long-held belief that her husband had been poisoned and murdered.

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Kremlin Dismisses European, Ukrainian Changes to U.S. Peace Proposals

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The Kremlin said on Sunday that recent changes proposed by Europe and Ukraine to U.S.-drafted plans aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have not improved the prospects for peace. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said Moscow remains unconvinced that the revised proposals would help achieve a lasting settlement, reflecting Russia’s continued scepticism toward European and Ukrainian involvement in shaping the peace framework.

The original U.S. proposals, which were leaked last month, sparked concern among European and Ukrainian leaders who feared they were overly favourable to Russia and could pressure Kyiv into excessive concessions. In response, European and Ukrainian negotiators have held talks with envoys from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to introduce their own amendments, though the precise details of the updated proposals have not been made public. Ushakov said he had not yet seen the full documents but was confident the changes would not enhance the chances of long-term peace.

His remarks came after Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev held talks in Florida with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Dmitriev is expected to report back to Putin on the discussions, after which Moscow will decide its next steps in contacts with Washington. The talks underscore the high stakes surrounding whether the war—the deadliest in Europe since World War Two—can be brought to an end, the future of Ukraine, and whether any U.S.-brokered deal would be durable.

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