Putin proposes formation of new govt in Kyiv, calls for elections in Ukraine before truce talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin stirred headlines after he suggested that Ukraine could be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow fresh elections in the country. Putin was speaking in the northern port of Murmansk, where he argued that his new ally, US President Donald Trump sincerely wants to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reported. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Putin repeatedly mentioned in his speech that Russia is achieving its goals in the conflict.

Putin’s call for the establishment of a temporary administration in Ukraine appeared to support his longtime assertion that Ukrainian authorities are not a legitimate negotiating partner since the country’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has remained in power beyond his mandated deadline to call for elections, which was passed on May 24, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian side argues that no elections can be scheduled due to martial law that has been placed in the country since the start of the war three years ago. In light of this, the Ukrainian parliament in February passed a resolution reaffirming Zelenskyy’s legitimacy. The bill was passed with a clear majority, reflecting Zelenskyy’s popularity in the country.

A government monitored by Ukraine’s Western allies: Putin

While addressing the seamen at the Russian port on Friday, Putin proposed the formation of a government which will be under the temporary control of Ukraine’s Western allies, including the United Nations and the United States. “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,” the Russian leader said in his Friday address.

“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,” he added. Putin also pointed out the stark contrast between Trump’s efforts to hold direct talks with Russia with his predecessor Joe Biden. The Russian leader argued that Trump’s efforts indicate that the American president genuinely wants peace in the region.

“In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for several reasons,” the agencies quoted him as saying. Russia, Putin said, was in favour of “peaceful solutions to any conflict, including this one, through peaceful means, but not at our expense."

“Throughout the entire line of military contact, our troops are holding the strategic initiative,” he said. Russia, he said, was “persistently and confidently” moving towards achieving its goals. Putin concluded his address by saying that he is willing to cooperate with any nation including North Korea to bring the war to an end.

With inputs from Reuters.