Putin proposes establishing interim government in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that Ukraine could be placed under a temporary form of government to hold elections and sign important agreements aimed at reaching a solution to the conflict, Russian news agencies reported on the morning of March 28.
Putin’s comments, during a visit to the northern port of Murmansk, come as the United States seeks to push for a resolution to the war by re-establishing contact with Russia, holding separate talks with both Moscow and Kiev. The Kremlin leader said he believed US President Donald Trump genuinely wanted peace.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, displaced millions, devastated many regions and exacerbated the worst tensions between Moscow and the West in decades.
Mr Putin’s proposal for an interim government appears to be aimed at his long-held view that the current Ukrainian government is not a legitimate negotiating partner, as President Volodymyr Zelensky remains in office after his term ends in May 2024.
"In principle, of course, it is possible to establish an interim government in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, the United States, European countries and our partners," Putin said during a conversation with sailors at the port.
"This is about holding democratic elections, bringing a competent and popular government to power, and then negotiating a peace treaty," the Russian president said.
Mr Putin also said that US President Donald Trump's efforts to promote direct dialogue with Russia - in contrast to his predecessor Joe Biden, who limited contact - showed that the new US leader wanted to end the conflict.
"In my opinion, the newly elected US president really wants to end the conflict for many reasons," Putin said.
Ukraine has not yet responded to this proposal.
Meanwhile, European leaders continued to push their own efforts, pledging at a meeting in Paris on March 27 to strengthen Ukraine's military to ensure the country remains a cornerstone of future security.
France and Britain are also looking to expand support for an international "security guarantor" force in the event of a ceasefire with Russia, despite Moscow's opposition to the presence of any foreign forces in Ukraine.
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