Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that Ukraine should temporarily come under UN control in order to elect a more “competent” government. This is the latest attempt by Putin to challenge the legitimacy of the Kyiv government.
Ukraine accused Putin of proposing “crazy” ideas to delay further movement towards a peace deal championed by US President Donald Trump.
In response, the White House insisted that Ukraine’s governance would be decided by its constitution and people.
These remarks from Putin come as the US seeks to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing full-scale war with Ukraine, which has now entered its fourth year.
On Tuesday, the White House stated that both sides had agreed to a limited truce in the Black Sea.
However, Russia then presented a list of conditions, including the lifting of some Western sanctions, raising concerns that Moscow is trying to undermine the ceasefire efforts.
Speaking to a nuclear-powered submarine crew in Murmansk, Putin suggested that a temporary UN administration could be discussed with the United States, European countries, and Russia’s partners and friends.
According to Putin, this administration would lead to democratic elections and the establishment of a capable government trusted by the people, allowing for peace talks and the signing of legitimate documents.
Moscow claims that the current Ukrainian authorities are illegitimate because President Volodymyr Zelensky has stayed in power beyond the end of his term, making him an invalid negotiating partner.
However, Zelensky’s presidency has continued due to the postponement of elections, both legally through martial law and practically due to the chaos of war.
It would be nearly impossible to hold a valid election considering the displacement of over five million Ukrainian citizens overseas and hundreds of thousands away from home fighting on the frontline.
By pushing for an election, Putin aims to cast doubts on President Zelensky’s legitimacy as a negotiating partner, a narrative echoed by the White House.
If Putin succeeds in forcing an election, he may hope it would divide and distract Ukraine while he gains ground on the battlefield.
Putin mentioned that this proposal is one of many options and pointed to international precedents such as UN control in East Timor and parts of the former Yugoslavia.
Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, responded by accusing Russia of attempting to stall movements towards peace and opting to maintain the war. Meanwhile, a US national security spokesperson emphasized that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and the people.
During the same meeting, Putin claimed that Moscow possesses the “strategic initiative” along the entire war front and expressed belief in the ability to finishing off Ukrainian forces.
However, despite frequent claims of progress, Russia has made only slow and limited gains in territorial control over eastern Ukraine.
Putin’s comments come after a meeting between Zelensky and European allies in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France and the UK are putting forward plans for a “reassurance force” in Ukraine.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
