Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed placing Ukraine temporarily under UN control to elect a “more competent” government, marking another attempt to challenge Kyiv’s legitimacy.
Ukraine swiftly rejected the suggestion as a “crazy” idea designed to delay peace negotiations. The proposal emerged as the United States seeks to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, now entering its fourth year.
Speaking to a nuclear submarine crew in Murmansk, Putin suggested a temporary UN administration could facilitate democratic elections and bring a government “trusted by the people” to power. He proposed discussing this approach with the United States, European countries, and Russia’s partners.
Moscow argues that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is illegitimate, claiming he has remained in power beyond his term. However, Zelensky’s extended tenure is legally justified by martial law and the practical challenges of holding elections during wartime, with over five million citizens displaced and hundreds of thousands fighting.
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov later clarified the remarks, citing perceived “loss of control” by Kyiv and alleging that Ukrainian armed forces were not following leadership orders.
The White House promptly rejected Putin’s proposal, stating that Ukraine’s governance would be determined by its constitution and people. Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, characterized the suggestion as another Russian attempt to stall peace movements.
Putin cited international precedents like East Timor and parts of the former Yugoslavia to support his proposal. He also claimed Russia maintained the “strategic initiative” along the front line, suggesting the ability to “finish off” Ukrainian forces.
Despite such proclamations, Russia has made only minimal territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. The comments follow a recent meeting between Zelensky and European allies in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron discussed plans for a “reassurance force” in Ukraine.
A limited truce in the Black Sea was initially agreed upon, but Russia subsequently presented a list of conditions, including lifting Western sanctions, raising concerns about potential negotiation obstacles.
Putin emphasized that the UN control proposal was just one of many options, but the underlying motivation appears to be challenging Zelensky’s legitimacy and potentially creating political disruption in Ukraine.
The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues to challenge international diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.
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