Russian President Vladimir Putin raises the possibility of establishing a temporary administration of Ukraine under UN leadership. The purpose would be to hold elections in the country, citing the fact that Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presidential mandate officially expired in May 2024.
Moscow sees no clear way to sign agreements with Kiev because “other leaders might come tomorrow”, Putin explained during a speech to the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Arkhangelsk.
– In such cases, international practice follows a well-known path within the framework of the United Nations peacekeeping activities; several instances have already demonstrated what is referred to as external management or temporary administration, he suggested.
External forces should facilitate elections in Ukraine to “establish a capable government that has the trust of the people”, Putin stressed. Then the new Ukrainian government could start negotiations with Moscow and sign a peace deal “hat would be recognized around the world and will be reliable and stable”.
At the same time, Putin stressed that interim administration is only one possible option.
– In general, we support resolving conflicts peacefully, including this one, but not at our expense, he added.
A US-brokered ceasefire, which includes a 30-day halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, remains in force despite reported Ukrainian violations, which Russia’s defense ministry said Kiev was undermining US President Donald Trump’s mediation efforts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, stresses that Moscow will uphold its part of the agreement to preserve diplomatic contact with the Trump administration.
Furthermore, during recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia between US, Russian and Ukrainian delegations, Moscow also showed a willingness to resume the defunct Black Sea Grain Initiative, previously organized by the UN and Turkey.
