ISW Explained The Kremlin's Hints

• 11.05.2026, 8:07

Is the war really going to end soon.

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has said that the conflict in Ukraine is supposedly "coming to an end," but there are no real signs that Moscow is ready to end the war. This is said in a new analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Experts note that during a May 9 press conference, Putin, when asked about the West's possible role in Ukraine's recent long-range strikes on Russian territory, said that "this issue is coming to an end." At the same time, Russian state media interpreted these words as a hint at the imminent end of the war, although Putin himself did not explicitly state this.

The ISW emphasizes that at the same time, the Russian leader explained the absence of much of the military equipment at the parade by the need to focus resources on the "final defeat of Ukraine." According to analysts, this indicates that the Kremlin's previous maximalist goals remain unchanged.

In addition, Putin reiterated that a possible bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky should take place exclusively in Moscow, in effect making it clear that he does not intend to participate in negotiations on neutral territory.

According to analysts, such statements are primarily aimed at domestic audiences.

"The Kremlin is probably trying to influence the mood inside the country, where the aftermath of the conflict is increasingly being felt in the country's internal affairs.