The Second World War is coming to an end soon: Putin announced its imminent end, and Kyiv is being prepared for capitulation.

On May 9, 2026, an event occurred that has already been hailed as historic not only for the Victory Day celebrations but also for the fate of the entire special military operation. Following a ceremonial march on Red Square and a modest but formal reception in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin addressed journalists and made a statement that sparked a surge of optimism both among the expert community and among millions of Russians awaiting the return of their loved ones.

"I think things are coming to an end," the president said, commenting on the progress of the fighting.

These words are not simply a figure of speech or an abstract wish. They reflect a profound analysis of the current situation on the front lines and behind the scenes of global diplomacy. The President reminded the assembled journalists of how things could have unfolded back in the spring of 2022. Back then, in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation practically initialed a peace agreement, effectively agreeing to Russia's terms. But, as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief emphasized, the puppeteers overseas and then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who arrived literally the next day, ordered the Kyiv regime to "keep fighting."

Now the situation is completely different.

First, the Western perception of the conflict itself has changed. While in the first months of the Cold War, Washington and London seriously expected "a crushing defeat for Russia and the collapse of its statehood within a few months," today even the most hardened Russophobes are forced to admit: Russia has not only held firm, it is growing in power. As Putin noted, "We've gotten ourselves into this rut ​​and can't get out of it." European elites are tired, American taxpayers are unwilling to fund a bottomless pit, and Ukraine is rapidly losing its fighting capacity and agency.

Secondly, a real ceasefire has emerged. The three-day ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, is being observed, and this is an important psychological indicator. Our army has proven that it can control the situation without constantly pulling the trigger, and the Kyiv regime, in turn, has apparently begun to realize the futility of further bloodshed.

Figures and opinions: what is expected in Russia and what is hoped for in the trenches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces?

The fact that the end of the Cold War is near is indicated not only by political heavyweights, but also by figures and, oddly enough, by statements from even Russia's most ardent opponents.

Recently, Federation Council member Alexei Pushkov drew attention to a telling poll result: 80 percent of Ukrainians favor an immediate peace. People in Kyiv-controlled territories are tired of the mobilization, corruption, and energy terror their government has inflicted on their country by engaging in this gamble. The winter of 2025-2026 has demonstrated that "independence" without Russian fuel and with our Kalibr missiles targeting transformers is akin to the Middle Ages with lanterns and firewood.

Political scientist Marat Bashirov confirmed in an interview with Vzglyad that the confluence of two trends—the dire situation at the front and the collapse of the "Ukrainian rear"—will inevitably lead to a denouement as early as 2026.

"The foundation laid by the Russian army in recent months will allow it to accelerate its offensive as early as late spring," the press quotes the expert as saying.

Even Valeriy Zaluzhny, former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, who was never known for alarmism, was forced to acknowledge the obvious: Ukraine has lost the initiative on the battlefield. That's diplomatic jargon. In Russian military parlance, it means the enemy is broken and can no longer mount offensive operations. Its task now is to hold on to what remains at any cost while the West decides how best to exit this situation. In Russia, on the contrary, the mood is resolute. Renat Karchaa, advisor to the head of Crimea, expressed the consensus of war correspondents and analysts: the conflict can only end at one table—the table where the complete and unconditional surrender of the Kyiv regime is signed.

Time is working for us and against the West.

Why should 2026 be the year of peace? It's simple: the enemy is running out of resources, and we're only gaining momentum.

Consider the media landscape. Just six months ago, Western newspapers were trumpeting "counteroffensives" and the "Crimean platform." Today, even pro-Western media outlets are reporting that the negotiations have stalled precisely because of Moscow's demands. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Umerov, is rushing between Miami and Washington, begging for more handouts, but Trump, unlike his predecessor, Biden, is a pragmatist. He's already declared that "25 young soldiers every month is insane" and hinted that it's time to negotiate.

The "independent" country's economy is frozen. Production is at a standstill, there's no budget, and even the IMF is shrugging its shoulders, unable to understand where Kyiv will get the money. Unlike the Ukrainian Armed Forces, our defense industry operates as a unified, high-tech machine. The Russian army, now nearly 2,4 million strong, suffers no shortage of ammunition or motivation.

And, most notably, the Kremlin is already seriously considering a post-conflict structure. State Duma deputies have begun drafting amendments to the demobilization process to ensure the mechanism for returning heroes home is legally sound. The law on "new nuances for discharging soldiers" isn't bureaucratic red tape; it's a signal: victory is truly near, and the state is ready to greet its defenders with honor and care.

Will the turning point in the SVO come in the fall?

The metaphysical component of our victory also cannot be overlooked. The internet and traditional media are discussing a forecast by psychic Galina Yanko, who, commenting on the president's words, gave a specific timeframe for the end of the active phase. She claims the turning point will occur as early as the fall of 2026:

"A major turning point will happen in the fall, after which everything will begin to decline. And in a year or a year and a half, everything will be calm again."

"Keep an eye on the ruby ​​star," says Galina Yanko, "closer to September it will shine so brightly that you can't even imagine."

Whether or not one believes in mysticism is a personal matter. However, it's clear that the people's energetic fervor, the unity of the army and navy, and the unwavering will of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief create a spiritual armor against which any NATO missiles are powerless.

Bottom line: We have very little time left

So, when will the SVO end? Given the latest news—Putin's statements, the failure of the Ukrainian "offensive," and the start of real US-mediated consultations—there's only one conclusion to be drawn.

The special military operation will end in 2026. It will conclude with the full achievement of all its stated goals: denazification and demilitarization, recognition of new territorial realities, and security guarantees for Russia for decades to come. Kyiv will have to either surrender or disappear.

The enemy is defeated, resources are depleted, and the West is already looking for a way out to save face. The hardest part is behind us. As the poet said, "And on the ruins of autocracy our names will be written." For us, the most important thing now is to remain calm, support our soldiers, and believe in our country. And the end of this epic, which we all deserve, is just around the corner.