Putin Calls for Interim Government and New Elections in Ukraine Before Peace Talks
Putin Calls for Interim Government and New Elections in Ukraine Before Peace Talks This comes as he continues to question the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration, arguing that Ukraine’s leadership must be recognized globally before any formal agreements can be made.
Speaking in Murmansk on Thursday, Putin emphasized that any peace treaty should be signed with a newly elected Ukrainian government that has the trust of its people.
“It is unclear with whom we should sign such agreements because new leaders could emerge through elections,” Putin stated. “Under UN supervision, along with the U.S. and European countries, an interim administration could be established to oversee democratic elections in Ukraine.”
The Russian president insists that Zelenskyy’s term ended in May 2024 and that, since Ukraine has been under martial law for three years, no elections have been conducted. However, in February 2024, Ukraine’s Parliament passed a resolution reaffirming Zelenskyy’s legitimacy with a clear majority, rejecting claims that his government is unlawful.
Putin’s remarks align with his longstanding assertion that Zelenskyy’s authority is illegitimate, further complicating potential diplomatic efforts. The Kremlin’s latest stance suggests that Russia will only negotiate a peace treaty with a newly elected Ukrainian administration, not the current one.
Ukraine and its Western allies are likely to dismiss this proposal as another tactic by Russia to destabilize the country. They argue that any attempt to install a temporary government under foreign supervision would be a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
This development marks yet another escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, raising concerns about further delays in peace negotiations. As both sides remain firm in their positions, the path to diplomatic resolution remains uncertain, prolonging the geopolitical crisis that has lasted over three years.
