In this RedState article, Ward Clark writes that Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that the Russia-Ukraine war is “moving toward completion” may be a hopeful sign, but only if Moscow follows through with real concessions and sustained diplomacy.
- Putin reportedly told reporters that the Russia-Ukraine war is “moving toward completion,” though he also cautioned that the conflict remains “a serious thing.”
- The article frames the comment as potentially significant because the war, which began in February 2022, has produced enormous casualties and become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
- President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire for May 9, 10, and 11, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day observances.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had received Russia’s agreement to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange through negotiations mediated by the United States.
- Zelensky thanked Trump and his team for diplomatic involvement, while also saying Ukraine expects the U.S. to ensure Russia fulfills its commitments.
- Clark argues that the key unanswered question is whether any long-term ceasefire would require Russia to return Ukrainian territory or simply freeze the current battle lines.
- The article is skeptical that Ukraine will regain Crimea, saying any expectation of that outcome is unrealistic.
- Clark also questions whether the next step would be only a ceasefire or an eventual treaty, and who should mediate it — the U.S., NATO, the EU, or Europe itself.
- The piece ends with cautious optimism, warning that previous hopes for peace have collapsed before and that war often resumes after promising diplomatic signals.
Read the full story: https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/05/09/peace-putin-indicates-russo-ukraine-war-now-moving-toward-completion-n2202187
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