Slovak PM Returns from Putin Meeting with Mysterious Promise as Russian Leader Claims Ukraine War Nearing End

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed during Victory Day celebrations that the current war against Ukraine is approaching its end and that he is prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin's statements came as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico returned from Moscow with what sources described as a mysterious promise from the Russian leader. The meeting between Putin and Fico, leader of the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, has drawn attention given Slovakia's position as a NATO and EU member while maintaining dialogue with Russia. Putin's claims about the war's trajectory and willingness to engage with Ukraine's leadership mark a notable shift in public rhetoric, though the credibility of such statements remains questionable given the ongoing conflict.