Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the establishment of a temporary administration in Ukraine under international supervision to enable new elections and facilitate a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. His remarks, reported by Russian news agencies on Friday, were made during a discussion in Murmansk.
Putin’s proposal appears to stem from his longstanding claim that Ukraine’s current leadership is not a legitimate negotiating partner, particularly as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has remained in power beyond his original mandate, which ended in May 2024.
“In principle, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the U.N., the United States, European countries, and our partners,” Putin stated. “This would allow for democratic elections and the establishment of a legitimate government that has the trust of the people, paving the way for negotiations on a peace treaty.”
He also expressed optimism about the role of U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump’s willingness to engage in direct discussions with Russia demonstrated his sincere desire to end the conflict. This stance, Putin noted, contrasts with the approach taken by former President Joe Biden, who largely avoided direct engagement with Moscow.
“In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons,” Putin said.
Despite advocating for a diplomatic resolution, Putin reaffirmed that Russia is making steady progress in achieving its strategic objectives in Ukraine. “Throughout the entire line of military contact, our troops are holding the strategic initiative,” he declared. “Russia is persistently and confidently moving toward achieving its goals.”
Additionally, Putin highlighted Russia’s willingness to collaborate with various nations, including North Korea, to support its military efforts in Ukraine. While Western and Ukrainian sources have claimed that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to the Kursk region in western Russia, Moscow has not officially confirmed these reports.
The proposal for a temporary administration comes as the war continues into its third year, with ongoing efforts from multiple global actors to seek a diplomatic resolution. It remains to be seen how the international community, particularly Ukraine and its Western allies, will respond to Putin’s latest suggestion.