Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the war in Ukraine ‘is coming to an end,’ as a three-day ceasefire brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump began. This ceasefire. Which started on Saturday and will last through Monday, includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and a prisoner swap of 1,000 from each country; According to Fox News, this request was made directly by Trump and agreed upon by both President Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Putin’s Comments on NATO and Ukraine

During a news conference following the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Putin expressed his view that Germany made a ‘mistake’ to side with NATO, according to DW.com. He also warned that any direct confrontation between NATO forces and Russian troops would be a ‘global catastrophe.’ Despite the highly unpopular mobilization and minimal battlefield gains, Putin stated he has no regrets about his decision to invade Ukraine.

Putin also mentioned that the partial mobilization he ordered would be over in two weeks and that there are no future plans for further call-ups. Currently, 16,000 reservists are engaged in military activities. However, he added that should it emerge that humanitarian corridors for Ukrainian grain are being used for ‘acts of terror,’ he would want them closed.

Security Guarantees and Historical Context

Fiona Hill, a Russia expert at the Brookings Institution, emphasized the importance of security guarantees in preventing the current conflict. According to DIE ZEIT, Hill pointed out that NATO’s enlargement to Ukraine and Georgia was a provocation for Putin. She argues that security guarantees could have prevented the current situation, highlighting Finland’s example of being battle-ready and well-equipped to defend itself without seeking NATO membership until recently.

International Reactions and Foreign Policy Shifts

Peter Magyar, the leader of Hungary’s Tisza Party and recent election winner, stated that he would not call either U.S. President Donald Trump or Russian President Putin, as reported by 경향신문. This decision hints at a potential shift in Hungary’s foreign policy from the previous alignment with Trump. Magyar emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with the United States despite his decision not to call Trump directly.

Plus, the ceasefire was celebrated in Russia with a scaled-back Victory Day parade, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy confirmed the prisoner exchange on X, noting that a ceasefire administration must also be established on May 9, 10, and 11.