Putin signals Ukraine war 'coming to an end,' names Schröder as preferred negotiator

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday he believes the Ukraine war is "coming to an end," according to Deutsche Welle, signaling potential openness to negotiations as the four-year conflict continues.

When asked about European Union plans for talks to end the fighting, Putin named former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as his preferred negotiator for any settlement discussions. The statement marks a rare public comment from Moscow on conflict resolution amid ongoing military operations.

Schröder, who served as German chancellor from 1998 to 2005, has maintained controversial ties to Russian energy interests and has faced criticism from Berlin and other EU capitals for his Russia connections. His potential involvement in peace talks would likely prove contentious across European capitals.

No formal negotiations have been announced, and Ukraine's position on any talks remains unclear. EU officials have previously outlined conditions for meaningful diplomatic engagement.