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Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Ukraine be placed under a temporary administration to facilitate new elections and the signing of critical accords aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, as reported by Russian news agencies on Friday.
These comments were made during Putin’s visit to the northern port city of Murmansk and align with ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate a settlement by reopening channels of communication with both Russia and Ukraine.
Putin expressed a belief that U.S. President Donald Trump sincerely desires to achieve peace, reflecting a notable shift in his tone regarding American leadership.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the devastation has resulted in significant casualties, millions of displaced individuals, and extensive destruction of infrastructure, exacerbating tensions between Russia and Western nations.
Putin’s call for a temporary administration in Ukraine appears to stem from his long-standing assertion that the current Ukrainian leadership lacks legitimacy, particularly as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues in power beyond the expiration of his mandate in May 2024.
During discussions with seamen at the port, Putin stated, “In principle, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries, and our partners. This would be in order to hold democratic elections and bring to power a capable government enjoying the trust of the people and then to start talks with them about a peace treaty.”
Putin’s Views on U.S. Leadership
Putin compared Trump’s approach to that of former President Joe Biden, noting that Trump’s willingness to engage directly with Russia signals a genuine desire for peace. Putin articulated, “In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons.”
In response to Putin’s proposal for a temporary administration, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council reaffirmed that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitutional framework and the will of its people, with no immediate response from Ukrainian officials.
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In parallel, European leaders have continued their initiatives to bolster Kyiv’s military capabilities, asserting that a strong Ukrainian defense is crucial for future security in the region. Following a meeting in Paris, France and Britain have sought to expand support for an international “reassurance force” should a ceasefire with Russia be established. However, Moscow has consistently opposed any foreign military presence in Ukraine.
Legitimacy Challenges and Ongoing Conflict
Zelenskyy has firmly rejected any idea that casts doubt on his legitimacy, highlighting that Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections during martial law, and that conducting a vote under current wartime conditions would be unrealistic. He has previously accused Putin of perpetuating the conflict.
In comments made during his visit to Murmansk, Putin asserted that Russia is steadily progressing toward the objectives outlined at the beginning of its military operations in Ukraine. He emphasized that while Russia prefers peaceful resolutions to conflicts, it would not accept solutions at its expense.
Putin remarked, “Throughout the entire line of military contact, our troops are holding the strategic initiative. We are gradually—perhaps not as quickly as some might like—but still persistently and with confidence moving toward achieving the goals set out at the beginning of this operation.”
As of now, Russian forces maintain control of approximately 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, following the annexation of four regions and the recovery of much land lost during Ukrainian offensives last August. Putin also acknowledged the contributions of the BRICS coalition, praising nations like China and India, while indicating a willingness to collaborate with various countries, including North Korea, as part of efforts to resolve the conflict.
Western and Ukrainian sources have reported the deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to support Russian efforts in the Kursk region, although these claims remain unverified by Moscow. Putin also criticized Europe for its inconsistent behavior, stating that while European nations attempt to lead Russia “around by the nose,” Russia is accustomed to such treatment and hopes to avoid errors stemming from misplaced trust in its so-called partners.
Source
www.cbc.ca