President Vladimir Putin addressed reporters on 9/5 regarding the conflict in Ukraine, stating that he has not proposed, nor has he ever refused a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. "If someone wants to hold a meeting, let them. They should come to Moskva, and we will meet," Putin said.

Putin added that he is ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a third country, but only after all conditions for a peace agreement have been settled.

"Currently, I believe the conflict is coming to an end," the Russian President said. However, he noted that "things remain very difficult."

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the press at the Kremlin on 9/5. AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the press at the Kremlin on 9/5. AFP

When asked if Western military aid to Ukraine had gone too far, Putin asserted that the West had "escalated the level of confrontation with Russia, and that continues to this day."

"They waited for months to see Russia fail, to see this nation collapse. But that calculation did not succeed," he said. "And then they got bogged down in a rut from which they cannot now escape."

His statement came just hours after the Victory Day parade, which commemorated the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

This year, instead of intercontinental ballistic missiles, tanks, and missile systems parading through Red Square, Russia showcased videos of military equipment in action on giant screens opposite the Kremlin.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated last week that he believes the EU has the "potential" to negotiate with Russia and discuss the region's future security structure.

When asked if he was willing to engage in dialogue with Europe, President Putin indicated he personally preferred negotiating with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

"For me, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Schroeder is the preferred choice," he said.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered the most serious crisis in relations between Russia and the West in decades.

The Kremlin stated that peace talks mediated by US President Donald Trump's administration are stalled. Putin has repeatedly affirmed he will continue fighting until all stated objectives are achieved.

In an 8-minute speech during the Victory Day celebration, President Putin reiterated this message.

"The glorious achievements of the victorious generation have inspired soldiers currently undertaking missions in the special military operation," he said, referring to the term Russia uses for the conflict with Ukraine. "They are confronting a force supported and armed by the entire NATO bloc. Nevertheless, they continue to advance."

Destroyed vehicles at the scene of a Russian missile attack in the capital Kyiv, Ukraine, on 16/4. Reuters

Destroyed vehicles at the scene of a Russian missile attack in the capital Kyiv, Ukraine, on 16/4. Reuters

To date, Russian forces have not fully controlled the Donbass region in eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv's military has retreated to establish defensive lines in fortified cities. Although Moskva currently controls nearly 1/5 of Ukraine's territory, its pace of advance has slowed this year.

After Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating unilateral ceasefires announced in recent days, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire from 9/5 to 11/5, supported by both Moskva and Kyiv. The two sides also agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners.

"I want to see this conflict end. The Russia-Ukraine war is the worst thing to happen since World War II in terms of human casualties. 25,000 young soldiers are falling each month. It's crazy," Trump told reporters in Washington.

He added that he "wants to see the ceasefire extended indefinitely." There have been no reports of ceasefire violations from either Russia or Ukraine.

Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP)