Moscow, March 28, 2025: Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under a temporary administration to facilitate new elections and negotiate key agreements to end the ongoing war, Russian news agencies reported on Friday.
Putin’s remarks, made during a visit to Murmansk, come as the United States seeks to rekindle diplomatic engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv in a bid to reach a settlement. The Kremlin leader expressed confidence that U.S. President Donald Trump genuinely wants peace.
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, and caused widespread destruction, marking the most severe confrontation between Moscow and the West in decades.
Putin’s proposal appears to reflect his long-standing position that Ukraine’s current leadership is illegitimate, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy remains in office beyond his May 2024 mandate.
“In principle, a temporary administration could be established in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the US, European countries, and other partners,” Putin was quoted as saying.
“This would enable democratic elections, bring a legitimate government to power, and then initiate peace negotiations.”
Putin also credited Trump for engaging in direct talks with Russia—unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, who avoided contact.
“In my opinion, the newly elected U.S. president sincerely wants to resolve the conflict for several reasons,” he added.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson dismissed Putin’s suggestion, stating that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and people. There was no immediate response from Kyiv.
Zelenskiy, however, has previously rejected questions about his legitimacy, emphasizing that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law. He argues that holding a vote amid war is impractical and has accused Putin of prolonging the conflict.
Meanwhile, European leaders, following a meeting in Paris, have pledged greater military support for Ukraine, reinforcing its army as a pillar of future security. France and Britain have sought broader backing for a foreign “reassurance force”, though Moscow has categorically opposed any foreign troop presence in Ukraine.
Putin reiterated that Russia remains committed to achieving its military objectives, asserting that its troops hold the strategic initiative on the battlefield.
“We are progressing—perhaps not as fast as some would like—but steadily and confidently toward the goals set at the start of this operation,” Putin stated.
Over three years into the war, Russian forces control approximately 20% of Ukraine, having formally annexed four regions. Moscow has also recaptured lost territory, including areas in Kursk, after a Ukrainian counteroffensive last August.
Putin praised efforts within the BRICS alliance, highlighting China and India’s contributions to finding a resolution. He also expressed readiness to cooperate with North Korea, amid reports that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to bolster Russian forces in Kursk—a claim Moscow has not confirmed.
Regarding Europe, Putin accused Western nations of inconsistency, stating:
“They try to lead us around by the nose, but we’ve grown accustomed to it. I hope we don’t make any mistakes by trusting them too much.”
