Russian President Vladimir Putin said the war in Ukraine may be nearing its end, even as he also reiterated Russia’s commitment to achieving its military goals.

Speaking after a scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow, he suggested he would be open to negotiating new European security arrangements.

Putin blamed Western policies and NATO expansion for the conflict, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

He also said his preferred negotiating partner would be former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, NBC News has reported.

Despite his comments about possible de-escalation, the Kremlin confirmed that peace talks remain paused and fighting continues.