Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Ukraine be placed under some form of interim administration by the United Nations to allow for new elections and the signing of key agreements to reach a settlement to the war. Putin’s comments, during a visit to the northern port of Murmansk, come amid U.S. efforts to find a solution to the conflict by restoring ties with Russia and engaging both Moscow and Kiev in separate talks. Putin’s suggestion of an interim administration appears to address his long-standing complaint that Ukrainian authorities are not a legitimate negotiating partner after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stayed in power beyond the end of his term in May 2024.
"In principle, of course, it may be possible, under the auspices of the United Nations, with the United States, also with European countries and of course with our partners and friends, to discuss the possibility of an interim administration in Ukraine. For what? In order to hold democratic elections, in order to bring to power a legitimate government that enjoys the trust of the people, and then to begin negotiations on a peace treaty, to sign legitimate documents that will be recognized by the whole world ," Putin said.
The Kremlin leader has been accused by Ukraine and European leaders of trying to prolong ceasefire talks without any serious intention of stopping the fighting.
US President Donald Trump had already conceded to most of Russia's demands before the start of talks on a peace settlement and had repeatedly stabbed his former ally, Ukraine, in the back. This seems to have prompted Putin to make ever newer, broader demands.
There was only a brief comment from the White House on Putin's latest demands. Ukraine's governance is determined by the constitution and the people of the country, a White House National Security Council spokesman said Thursday (local time).
Militarily, the Kremlin chief once again appeared confident of victory. Russian armed forces have already captured 99 percent of the Luhansk region and more than 70 percent of each of the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, which were also annexed by Moscow. Ukrainian troops are on the verge of total defeat, Putin claimed. "There is reason to believe that we will deal them a strong blow. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
