Putin Signals Ukraine War End Amid Ceasefire, Easing Gold Safe-Haven Demand

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 9, 2026, that the Russia-Ukraine war is 'coming to an end' and offered to negotiate new European security arrangements, preferring Gerhard Schroeder as a partner. This follows a scaled-back Victory Day parade without tanks or heavy equipment due to fears of Ukrainian attacks, after over four years of conflict since Russia's 2022 invasion that has killed hundreds of thousands, devastated Ukraine, and strained Russia's $3 trillion economy. A U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire and 1,000-prisoner exchange further signal de-escalation, potentially reducing geopolitical risks and pressuring safe-haven gold (XAUUSD) while supporting risk assets.