Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the Ukrainian conflict is now moving toward its conclusion.

Speaking to journalists, Putin said the situation, in his view, is heading toward an end. He also pointed to Western politicians, arguing that they were the ones who began escalating the confrontation with Moscow.

According to the Russian leader, the West initially expected Russia to suffer a swift and crushing defeat, along with the collapse of its statehood within a few months. Instead, he said, Western countries became trapped in the course they had chosen and now cannot find a way out of it.

Putin added that there are still politicians in the West who understand the essence of what is happening. He expressed hope that such forces will gradually return to power, or take it into their own hands with the support of the majority in European countries.

Earlier, Putin said Russia had been ready to strike the center of Kiev if the Ukrainian Armed Forces had attempted to disrupt the May 9 Victory Day celebrations. He noted that Moscow had discussed with China, India, the United States and other countries the possible consequences of Ukrainian attacks and retaliatory actions by Russian forces.