Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested placing Ukraine under a "temporary administration" as part of a broader peace process to end the ongoing war, according to Russian state media.
Speaking to military personnel in Murmansk, Putin outlined potential steps toward a resolution, including holding fresh elections in Ukraine under international supervision and signing key agreements after the temporary administration is established, Russia’s TASS news agency reported.
Putin proposed that the administration could be overseen by the United Nations, the United States, European nations, and other global partners. "This would allow for democratic elections and the establishment of a government that has the people's trust, paving the way for peace negotiations," he stated. He also emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict.
In an unexpected addition, Putin suggested that nations beyond the US and Russia should participate in the peace process, naming China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and even North Korea as potential contributors. He acknowledged European involvement but accused the continent’s leadership of inconsistency and dishonesty in past dealings with Moscow.
North Korea has reportedly increased its military presence in support of Russia, sending more than 3,000 additional troops to the battlefield, according to South Korean military sources. These reinforcements follow the 11,000 North Korean troops previously deployed, many of whom have suffered significant losses.
Putin also expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump, stating that Trump "genuinely wants to see this conflict come to an end."
The Russian leader’s remarks come after peace talks held in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, where representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States reached a tentative agreement to stop military strikes on Black Sea vessels. However, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements.
Ukraine alleged that Russia launched drone strikes on Mykolaiv shortly after the deal, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemning it as proof that Moscow is not serious about peace. Meanwhile, Russia claimed that Ukraine attacked energy infrastructure in Russian-controlled territories, breaching a mutual understanding to avoid targeting power facilities.
A second round of negotiations is expected to take place in Riyadh in mid-April.
