Putin says he thinks the Ukraine conflict is coming to an end - CNBC

Putin told reporters he believes the conflict is 'coming to an end' and credited Moscow’s threats with helping prompt a brief pause that coincided with a prisoner swap. The UK intelligence estimate of nearly 500,000 Russian military deaths raises the domestic and military pressures that could be motivating such statements, but it remains unclear whether these moves signal a durable de-escalation or tactical pauses. Monitor whether pauses lead to sustained talks, further exchanges, or renewed fighting.