Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under a temporary administration overseen by the United Nations, the United States, and European countries to facilitate new elections and peace negotiations. Speaking in Murmansk, Putin argued that Ukraine’s current leadership, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, lacks legitimacy, as Zelensky has remained in power beyond his original mandate.
Putin’s proposal comes as the U.S. attempts to navigate peace talks with both Moscow and Kyiv, with President Donald Trump expressing a desire to end the war. However, Zelensky has firmly rejected any claims of illegitimacy, stating that Ukrainian law prohibits elections under martial law, making voting impossible during the ongoing conflict.
The White House reaffirmed that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and people. Meanwhile, European leaders continue to push for military support to Kyiv, aiming to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security.
Russia, holding about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, insists on pursuing its military objectives while claiming openness to negotiations—so long as they do not come “at Russia’s expense.”
