By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-28 01:21:31 | Updated at 2025-03-31 10:50:10
3 days ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Ukraine could be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow for new elections and the signature of key accords with the aim of reaching a settlement in the war, Russian news agencies reported early on Friday.
Putin, speaking in the northern port of Murmansk, also said he believed US President Donald Trump, who has improved ties with Russia, sincerely wanted to end the more than three-year conflict.
He said Russia was steadily moving towards the achievement of its goals in the conflict.
Putin’s comments on temporary administration appeared to address his long-held complaint that Ukraine’s authorities are not a legitimate negotiating partner as President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained in power beyond the end of his mandate in May 2024.
However, no elections can be scheduled due to the martial law that has been in place for three years. The Ukrainian parliament in February passed a resolution reaffirming Zelensky’s legitimacy with a clear majority.
“In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries and our partners,” Putin was quoted as saying in talks with seamen at the port.
