Putin Says Ukraine War Nearing End Amid Ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Saturday that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end, speaking after a subdued Victory Day parade in Moscow's Red Square during a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire.

The annual event, marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, featured troops but omitted heavy weaponry such as tanks and missiles for the first time in nearly two decades. Officials said the equipment was needed on the battlefield. Putin addressed the crowd, praising Russian forces and declaring, "Victory has always been and will be ours."

The ceasefire, announced Friday by U.S. President Donald Trump and running from Saturday through Monday, suspended all kinetic activity and included a prisoner exchange of 1,000 captives per side. Both Ukraine and Russia confirmed the agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a decree barring strikes on Red Square during the parade.

However, both sides reported violations along the 1,200-kilometer front line. Zelenskyy said Sunday that combat continued in key areas despite a pause in large-scale Russian aerial and missile attacks, with Ukrainian forces responding defensively. Russia's Defense Ministry...