Russian news agencies report that Putin has proposed a temporary administration for Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed that Ukraine might be placed under a temporary administration to facilitate new elections and the signing of essential agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict, according to reports from Russian news agencies on Friday morning.

Speaking in Murmansk, a northern port city, Putin expressed his belief that U.S. President Donald Trump, who has fostered better relations with Russia, genuinely desires to bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for over three years.

He noted that Russia is making steady progress toward achieving its objectives in the war. Putin’s remarks regarding a temporary administration seemed to reflect his longstanding view that the current Ukrainian leadership is not a legitimate negotiating partner, particularly since President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to remain in office beyond his mandate, which expires in May 2024.

“In principle, a temporary administration could be established in Ukraine under the auspices of the U.N., the United States, European nations, and our partners,” Putin was reported to have said during discussions with seamen at the port.

“This would enable democratic elections and the establishment of a competent government that has the people’s trust, paving the way for negotiations regarding a peace treaty.” He noted that Trump’s willingness to engage in direct talks with Russia, unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who avoided such interactions, indicated the new president’s desire for peace.

“In my view, the newly elected U.S. president genuinely seeks to end the conflict for various reasons,” the reports quoted him as stating. Putin emphasized that Russia supports “peaceful resolutions to any conflict, including this one, through non-violent means, but not at our expense.”

“During the ongoing military engagement, our forces are maintaining the strategic advantage,” he stated. He noted that Russia is “steadily and resolutely” progressing towards its objectives.

Putin also expressed Russia’s willingness to collaborate with various nations, including North Korea, to facilitate an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Western and Ukrainian reports, over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk region, although Moscow has not verified this information.