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Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin has proposed the implementation of a provisional administration in Ukraine. According to reports from Russian news outlets on Friday, this measure is intended to pave the way for fresh elections and the signing of crucial agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. This proposal to resolve the Ukraine war comes amid international efforts to find a peaceful settlement.
Speaking during a visit to Murmansk, a northern port city, Putin’s remarks coincide with efforts by the United States to broker a resolution to the conflict. These efforts involve re-establishing communication channels with Russia and conducting separate discussions with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukrainian and European leaders have accused the Kremlin leader of attempting to extend cessation of hostilities negotiations without genuine commitment to ending the fighting.
The Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, including fatalities and injuries. Millions have been displaced, urban centers have been devastated, and relations between Moscow and the West have reached their most critical point in decades.
Putin’s proposition of a provisional authority seems to directly address his persistent assertion that Ukrainian leadership lacks legitimacy as a negotiating counterpart. This assertion stems from President Volodymyr Zelensky remaining in office beyond the expiration of his presidential term in May 2024.
“In principle, a temporary administration could indeed be established in Ukraine under the supervision of the UN, the United States, European nations, and our partners,” Putin reportedly stated during discussions with seamen at the port.
He elaborated, stating, “This initiative would facilitate the organization of democratic elections and the establishment of a competent government that commands public confidence, subsequently enabling the commencement of negotiations for a peace accord.”
He indicated that President Trump’s endeavors to pursue direct dialogue with Russia – in contrast to his predecessor Joe Biden, who avoided contact – demonstrated the new president’s desire for peace.
“It is my belief that the newly elected President of the United States genuinely seeks a resolution to the conflict for various compelling reasons,” news agencies quoted him as asserting.
In response to inquiries regarding Putin’s comments on a provisional administration, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated that governance in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and the will of its citizens.
As of yet, there has been no immediate response from Ukraine.
President Trump has articulated his intention to mediate a swift conclusion to the war. However, despite multiple discussions, there has been no substantial alteration in the intensity of hostilities.
On Tuesday, the United States announced the signing of individual agreements with Moscow and Kyiv for a cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea region. Subsequently, Russia declared that the agreement’s enforcement is contingent upon meeting supplementary conditions, including the revocation of sanctions imposed on a state-owned bank. Moscow had previously rejected a broader American proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
European Nations Affirm Support
European leaders have continued their independent initiatives, affirming after a meeting in Paris on Thursday their commitment to bolster Kyiv’s military capabilities. This is aimed at ensuring the Ukrainian army serves as the foundation for future security within the nation.
France and Britain have sought to broaden backing for a foreign “reassurance force” in the event of a truce with Russia. However, Moscow opposes any foreign military presence in Ukraine.
President Zelensky has dismissed any assertions questioning his legitimacy. He stated that Ukrainian law prohibits conducting elections under martial law, and organizing a poll during wartime would be impractical.
Zelensky has recently and repeatedly accused Putin of intending to escalate the conflict.
According to sources familiar with ongoing discussions and a summary of a draft proposal obtained by Reuters, the Trump administration has proposed a novel and more comprehensive minerals agreement with Ukraine.
President Trump has stated that a minerals agreement would contribute to securing a peace settlement by establishing a financial interest for the United States in Ukraine’s future.
In his remarks, Putin asserted that Russia is progressively advancing towards realizing the objectives defined in its Ukraine operation.
Putin affirmed that Russia advocates for “peaceful resolutions to all conflicts, including the current one, through peaceful methods, but not at our detriment.”
“Across the entire line of military engagement, our forces maintain strategic initiative,” he declared.
“We are gradually – perhaps not as rapidly as some might prefer – yet steadily and confidently progressing towards achieving the goals established at the inception of this operation,” news agencies reported Putin as stating.
Over three years since initiating their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces currently control approximately 20% of the nation, with Moscow proclaiming the annexation of four regions.
Russian forces have also regained a significant portion of the territory initially lost during a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region last August.
Putin commended the initiatives from the BRICS group, which Russia champions as an alternative to conventional alliances, in seeking a resolution. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of China and India.
He expressed Russia’s readiness to collaborate with numerous nations, including North Korea, to facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine.
According to Western and Ukrainian sources, over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to reinforce Russian forces in the Kursk region. However, Moscow has not verified these claims.
Putin stated Russia’s willingness to collaborate with Europe, while noting that Europe “conducts itself in an inconsistent manner.”
He commented that European countries were attempting to “mislead us,” adding, “but it is acceptable, we have grown accustomed to it. I trust that we will not commit errors due to excessive confidence in our purported partners.”