New twist as Putin pushes for UN-led interim government in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that Ukraine be placed under temporary United Nations administration to facilitate the election of what he described as a more “competent” government.

The suggestion marks the latest effort by Moscow to challenge the legitimacy of Kyiv’s leadership. Ukrainian officials dismissed the idea as “crazy,” accusing Putin of attempting to delay progress toward a peace agreement, which is being pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House, in response, reiterated that Ukraine’s governance would be determined by its own constitution and people.

Putin’s remarks come amid ongoing U.S.-led efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the war, which is now in its fourth year.

On Tuesday, the White House announced that Ukraine and Russia had reached a limited truce in the Black Sea. However, Russia later introduced conditions, including the lifting of some Western sanctions, raising concerns that Moscow was seeking to derail the ceasefire negotiations.

Speaking in Murmansk to the crew of a nuclear-powered submarine, Putin suggested that a temporary UN-led administration could be discussed with the U.S., European nations, and other international partners.

“This would be in order to hold democratic elections, to bring to power a capable government trusted by the people, and then to begin with it talks on a peace agreement and sign legitimate documents,” he said.

Moscow argues that Ukraine’s current government lacks legitimacy, citing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s extended tenure beyond his original term.

However, Zelensky remains in power due to martial law and the logistical difficulties of holding an election during wartime. With millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad and many others engaged in frontline combat, organizing a credible vote would be an immense challenge.

By advocating for elections, Putin appears to be casting doubt on Zelensky’s authority in peace talks—a narrative already echoed by some in Washington. If an election were forced, it could potentially divide Ukraine politically while the war continues on the battlefield.

Putin claimed his proposal was just one possibility, citing historical examples of UN administration, such as East Timor and parts of the former Yugoslavia.

Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, rejected the idea, arguing that Russia was merely stalling while continuing its military offensive. A U.S. national security spokesperson also reaffirmed that Ukraine’s leadership is determined by its constitution and people.

At the same event in Murmansk, Putin declared that Russia held the “strategic initiative” across the war’s front lines, adding, “there are reasons to believe that we can finish off” Ukrainian forces. However, despite repeated claims of progress, Russian territorial gains in eastern Ukraine have been slow and limited.

Putin’s remarks follow a recent meeting in Paris between Zelensky and European allies, where French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that France and the UK were working on plans for a “reassurance force” in Ukraine.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

(BBC).