Challenging the legitimacy of the government, Russian President Vladimir Putin on late Thursday floated the idea that Ukraine should temporarily be placed under UN control to elect a more "competent" government.
Putin added that the Russian forces have a "strategic initiative" on the front line in Ukraine and suggested the idea of establishing a "transitional" government in Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Ukraine be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow for new elections and the signature of key accords to reach a settlement in the war, Russian news agencies reported https://t.co/lSXPVWHIva pic.twitter.com/n0QgD8KGaF
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 28, 2025
On the other hand, Ukraine accused Putin of proposing "crazy" ideas to delay further movement towards a peace deal.
"There are reasons to believe that we will finish them off," said Putin during his visit in the northern city of Murmansk.
"We could, of course, discuss with the United States, even with European countries, and of course with our partners and friends, under the auspices of the UN, the possibility of establishing a transitional administration in Ukraine," he added.
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Putin's remark comes as the US is stepping up its mediation efforts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
Both the countries agreeing to a Black Sea ceasefire after discussions with the US delegates in Saudi Arabia is seen as the first step towards peace.
Putin said that Zelenskyy has stayed in power beyond the end of his term and is therefore not a valid negotiating partner.
Under the present circumstances in Kyiv, with more than five million people displaced overseas, it would be almost impossible to hold elections in Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has also earlier questioned the legitimacy of the government and called for elections to replace Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy's chief of staff Andriy Yermak accused Russia of finding ways to stall the peace talks.
Meanwhile, the European leaders and the Ukrainian president met in Paris for the 'council of willing' summit aimed at coordinating policy on the war on Thursday.
President Emmanuel Macron said after the summit that France and the UK were putting forth plans for a "reassurance force" in Ukraine after there is an end to the fighting.
