Putin Proposes Temporary Ukraine Administration to Enable Elections and Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under a temporary international administration to facilitate democratic elections and peace negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking from Murmansk, Putin said the interim authority could be overseen by the UN, the US, European nations, and Russia’s allies to establish a legitimate government that can engage in peace talks.

The Russian leader criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for staying in power beyond his official term, arguing that Kyiv lacks legitimate leadership. Putin claimed such a transitional plan would restore trust and create a foundation for a peace treaty.

Putin also expressed confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to ending the war, contrasting him with former President Joe Biden, who avoided direct engagement with Moscow. “In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict,” Putin said.

Despite calls for diplomacy, Putin reaffirmed that Russia would not pursue peace “at our expense” and stated that Russian forces currently hold the “strategic initiative” across the conflict zone. He emphasized that Russia is “steadily and confidently” moving toward its objectives.

Additionally, Putin signaled readiness to collaborate with various countries, including North Korea, to resolve the war. Western and Ukrainian sources claim over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk region, although Russia has not confirmed this.

Putin’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to shift diplomatic narratives while reinforcing Russia’s control in the conflict. The proposal for a temporary administration marks a strategic move aimed at reshaping post-war Ukraine under terms favorable to Moscow.