Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that Ukraine be placed under a temporary form of power and allowed the signing of a key agreement to reach a new election and war settlement, Russian news outlets reported early on Friday.
Putin's comments come among us as he attempts to reestablish ties with Russia when he visits the northern port of Murmansk and build a settlement in the conflict by working together in separate consultations with both Moscow and Kiev.
Kremlin leaders have been accused by leaders of Ukraine and Europeans of seriously and unintentionally trying to extend the ceasefire talks without stopping the battle.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 evacuated hundreds of thousands of people killed and injured, millions of people were evacuated, reduced the town to tile rub, and caused the sharpest conflict over decades between Moscow and the west.
Putin's proposal for a temporary regime appeared to address his longtime complaints that Ukrainian authorities are not legal negotiation partners as Ukrainian authorities remain in power through the end of their May 2024 mission.
“In principle, of course, in Ukraine, a temporary regime can be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, the US, European countries and our partners,” Putin was quoted as saying in consultations with seafarers at the port.
“This is to empower a competent government that will hold democratic elections, enjoy the trust of the people, and start talking to them about the peace treaty.”
He said Trump's efforts to advance direct talks with Russia showed the new president wanted peace, in contrast to his predecessor Joe Biden, who shunned contact details.
“In my opinion, the newly elected US President is sincerely hoping to end the conflict for several reasons,” the agency quoted him as saying.
A spokesman for the White House National Security Council asked about Putin's remarks on temporary management, saying Ukraine's governance was decided by the constitution and the people of the country.
There were no immediate comments from Ukraine
Trump says he wants to mediate a quick end to the war, but the series of talks has yet to make a major difference in hostilities.
The US said Tuesday it had signed separate agreements between Moscow and Kiev for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, but Russia later said the agreement would only come into effect when further conditions, including lifting sanctions at state banks, are met. Moscow had previously rejected the US proposal for a broader 30-day ceasefire.
Europe pledges support
European leaders pushed their efforts, I will pledge after the meeting On Thursday in Paris, they strengthened Kiev's army to confirm it is the cornerstone of Ukraine's future security.
Moscow has rejected the existence of Ukrainian foreign troops, but France and Britain have sought to expand their support for the “feeling of security” of foreign countries in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
Zelensky rejected the concept of questioning his legitimacy, saying that Ukraine is prohibited by law from holding elections and polls on wartime conditions.
Zelensky has recently accused Putin of repeatedly pushing the conflict.
The Trump administration is proposing a new, broader mineral trade with Ukraine, according to three people familiar with ongoing negotiations and a summary of the draft proposal obtained by Reuters.
Trump said the mineral trade will help secure a peace deal by giving the US future financial interests in Ukraine.
In his comments, Putin said Russia is steadily moving forward to achieving the goals it stated in its Ukrainian Operation.
Putin said Russia was in favor of “a peaceful solution to any conflict, including through peaceful means.”
“Through the entire line of military contact, our troops hold strategic initiatives,” he said.
“We gradually — probably not as fast as some people like, but we're still lasting and moving with confidence to achieve the goals set at the start of this operation,” the agency quoted as saying.
More than three years after the launch of a full-scale Ukraine invasion, the Russian army now owns around 20% of the country, and Moscow has declared that four regions have been annexed.
The forces also restored much of the territory that was first lost in the Ukrainian invasion of the western Kursk region last August.
Putin praised the efforts to seek solutions from the BRICS group, which it promotes as an alternative to traditional partnerships – selecting China and India for praise.
He said Russia is ready to work with many countries, including North Korea, to end the war.
Sources from the West and Ukrainian countries say that Moscow has not confirmed this, but more than 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to strengthen Russian troops in the Kursk region.
Putin added that Russia is also ready to work with Europe, but Europe will “act in an inconsistent way.”
European countries “took us with their noses, but okay, we're used to it. I hope we don't make any mistakes based on the overly trusting our so-called partner,” he said.
