Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 12, 2026. MIKHAIL METZEL / AP
The Kremlin said Tuesday, May 12, that there was no concrete plan to end the Ukraine war, days after Russian leader Vladimir Putin suggested Europe's worst conflict since WWII could be winding down. Moscow and Kyiv resumed attacks overnight after the end of a three-day ceasefire proclaimed by US President Donald Trump, which each side accused the other of violating.
After slamming NATO and wishing his forces a swift advance, Putin at the weekend said that he believed the war was "heading to an end," without elaborating. Trump echoed this on Tuesday, saying the end of the war was "getting closer" and that he could potentially visit Russia this year.
Putin's words spurred confusion, with talks to end Moscow's offensive so far leading nowhere and the Russian leader showing no sign of backing down over his maximalist demands in Ukraine.
The Kremlin clarified there were "no specifics" about Putin's statement.
