Putin Says War in Ukraine Is Nearing Its End

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that he believes the war in Ukraine is coming to an end. "I think the matter is coming to an end", he told reporters on Saturday.

Putin also addressed the possibility of negotiations with European leaders, saying he would prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder as a mediator. The Financial Times reports that EU leaders are preparing for possible talks with Moscow.

The Kremlin signaled last week that the first step must be taken by European governments, as Moscow says it cut off contacts with Europe after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

On the conflict with Iran, Putin said he hoped it would end as soon as possible, warning that otherwise "everybody loses".

The Russian president also said Moscow is moving toward a "serious" gas and oil deal with China.

(reuters, lud)