Putin Proposes Temporary Administration for Ukraine Amid Ongoing War Talks

MURMANSK, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on March 28 that Ukraine could be placed under a form of temporary administration to facilitate new elections and key peace accords, according to reports from Russian news agencies.

Speaking during a visit to the northern port city of Murmansk, Putin expressed his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to improve relations with Moscow, genuinely desires to end the ongoing conflict that has engulfed Ukraine since February 2022.

Putin’s remarks come amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to broker peace, as he reiterated concerns that Ukrainian authorities, under President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, no longer represent a legitimate partner for negotiation due to his extended mandate, which extends beyond May 2024.

“In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries, and our partners,” Putin stated. “This would ensure democratic elections and bring to power a capable government enjoying the trust of the people; then, we could start dialogues about a peace treaty.”

Putin characterized Trump’s attempts to engage directly with Russia as indicative of the U.S. president’s peace ambitions, contrasting them with the approach of his predecessor, President Joe Biden. “The newly elected president sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons,” Putin remarked.

As he spoke, Putin emphasized that Russia remains committed to seeking “peaceful solutions” to the conflict, though he added, “not at our expense.” He asserted that Russian troops maintain the strategic initiative throughout the entire line of military contact and are progressing toward their objectives.

Additionally, Putin mentioned that Russia was willing to cooperate with various countries, including North Korea, to find a resolution to the war. Reports indicate that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to support Russian forces in the Kursk region, a claim that Moscow has yet to confirm.

The backdrop for Putin’s remarks includes a recent agreement brokered by U.S. officials, where both Ukraine and Russia are aimed at ceasing military strikes in the Black Sea and developing measures to stop attacks on energy facilities. However, both sides have reported ongoing military actions that contradict these commitments.

Putin’s propositions and ongoing military operations have drawn criticism from Ukraine, with President Zelenskiy claiming that Russia’s actions signal a lack of genuine intent to pursue peace. The complexity of the ongoing discussions reflects deep-seated geopolitical tensions and the challenges of negotiating an end to the conflict.