Putin proposes temporary administration, urges elections.
In recent statements, President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s dedication to peaceful resolutions regarding ongoing international disputes. He reiterated Moscow’s firm stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means, highlighting Russia’s desire for a peaceful outcome to global tensions. However, Putin also made it clear that any potential settlement should not come at Russia’s expense. He stressed that while Russia remains open to negotiations and seeks stability, it will not accept any agreements or compromises that undermine its sovereignty, security, or national interests. This remark reflects Moscow’s broader foreign policy approach, which seeks to protect its strategic interests and maintain a strong geopolitical position in global affairs. Putin’s statement suggests that while Russia is committed to peace, it will not yield to external pressures or concessions that could weaken its position on the world stage. Thus, any resolution must be mutually beneficial, with respect for Russia’s key priorities and concerns. This stance is likely to shape Russia’s future diplomatic engagement in international negotiations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the establishment of a temporary administration in Ukraine to facilitate the holding of new elections and the signing of key agreements aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This suggestion was reported by Russian news agencies on Friday, March 28, 2025. The comments were made during a visit to the northern port city of Murmansk, where Putin was engaging in discussions with seamen. The idea of a temporary administration aligns with Moscow’s long-standing perspective that Ukraine’s current leadership is not a legitimate negotiating partner. Putin reiterated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s continued presidency, which has extended beyond his original mandate that ended in May 2024, has effectively invalidated him as a credible figure for negotiating peace.
Putin’s proposal centers on the idea that Ukraine’s government could be placed under an interim administration, which would be managed by international actors such as the United Nations, the United States, European countries, and Russia’s partners. The goal of this administration would be to organize democratic elections and establish a new government that would be trusted by the people of Ukraine. Once a capable and representative government is in place, Putin suggested, peace talks could then begin in earnest with this new leadership, aimed at reaching a long-term peace settlement. The Russian president also emphasized that this temporary administration would be critical in ensuring the legitimacy of the future Ukrainian government, which Moscow believes is necessary to stabilize the situation and allow for meaningful negotiations on a peace treaty.
Putin’s comments on the temporary administration come at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly as the war in Ukraine has continued for more than three years. While Russia has made significant military advances in certain regions, the conflict has led to significant loss of life and widespread devastation, drawing global condemnation. Putin’s proposal reflects the ongoing Russian desire to exert influence over Ukraine and reshape the political landscape in the country. However, it also signals Moscow’s preference for a political solution to the conflict rather than a prolonged military campaign.
A key part of Putin’s statement was his assessment of U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on the conflict. Putin has long expressed optimism about Trump’s stance, citing the U.S. president’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russia during his time in office. In his speech, Putin reiterated his belief that Trump is genuinely seeking an end to the war in Ukraine. The Russian president contrasted this approach with that of Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, whose administration had been more reluctant to engage with Russia directly. According to Putin, Biden’s avoidance of dialogue with Moscow represented a missed opportunity for meaningful negotiations. However, Putin expressed hope that the newly elected U.S. president would be more inclined toward engagement and diplomacy, signaling his belief that Trump’s efforts to build a more cooperative relationship with Russia were sincere.
He argued that the prolonged war had not served U.S. interests and that Trump, given his background and approach to foreign policy, would likely prioritize a diplomatic solution over continuing a military confrontation.
At the same time, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to securing its objectives in the conflict. Despite his calls for dialogue and negotiation, the Russian president made it clear that Moscow was not willing to compromise on its core interests. Putin asserted that Russia had made significant progress on the battlefield and was “persistently and confidently” advancing toward its goals. He stated that Russian forces were holding the strategic initiative along the entire line of military contact and that Russia’s military operations were proceeding as planned.
“The situation is developing according to our plans, and we are steadily achieving the objectives that we set,” Putin remarked. His comments reinforced Moscow’s belief that it is on track to win the conflict and secure its strategic objectives in Ukraine. This sentiment was underscored by the continued presence of Russian forces in key regions and the ongoing military operations aimed at securing territorial gains.
Putin’s remarks also touched on Russia’s willingness to collaborate with other countries to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He noted that Moscow was open to cooperation with a wide range of international partners, including North Korea, to help resolve the crisis. The mention of North Korea, in particular, drew attention to the growing geopolitical alignments that are emerging in the context of the war. While Western and Ukrainian sources have claimed that North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region, Moscow has not officially confirmed these reports. The possibility of North Korean involvement in the conflict reflects the complex and shifting nature of international alliances and the growing reliance of Russia on non-Western partners as it faces increasing isolation from the West.
Reports from Western and Ukrainian intelligence sources have suggested that more than 11,000 North Korean troops have been sent to bolster Russian forces in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, which lies near the Russian border with Ukraine. However, despite these claims, Moscow has remained tight-lipped about the involvement of North Korean personnel. If confirmed, the deployment of North Korean troops would be a significant development, further complicating the international dynamics surrounding the war. It would also signal a closer relationship between Russia and North Korea, which has been increasingly aligned with Moscow in recent years due to shared geopolitical interests and opposition to Western influence.
Despite these military and diplomatic developments, Putin’s overall message remained focused on his belief that peace can only be achieved through negotiation. However, he was also firm in his insistence that any peace settlement must respect Russia’s sovereignty and national interests. “Any resolution must not come at Russia’s expense,” he stressed. This statement reflects the broader Russian perspective that any agreement must preserve the country’s security and geopolitical influence, ensuring that Moscow retains a strong position in the post-conflict order.
As the war continues, Putin’s call for a temporary administration and his emphasis on negotiations and dialogue will likely continue to shape Russia’s approach to the conflict. The proposal may be seen by some as a step toward de-escalation, while others may view it as a tactical move to solidify Russia’s control over key regions of Ukraine and reshape the country’s political landscape. Regardless, the conflict shows no signs of abating, and it remains to be seen whether Putin’s vision for a peace process will gain traction on the international stage.