Russian President Vladimir Putin on 27 March suggested discussing the idea of introducing temporary external international governance in Ukraine, the Russian service of Radio Liberty has reported.
Putin said during a visit to the Northern Fleet that this might be necessary in order to hold “democratic elections” in Ukraine and “bring to power a capable government that enjoys the trust of the people” with which peace talks could be held.
According to the Russian president, such an idea could be realised” under the auspices of the UN, the US, with European countries and with Russia’s partners and friends.
Putin reiterated his thesis that he considers Ukraine’s current leadership illegitimate and therefore fears signing any documents with it.
“This is only one of the options. I am not saying that there are no others,” the Russian president said.
The Russian president also expressed the opinion that Russia is “persistently and confidently moving towards achieving all the goals stated at the beginning” of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“There are reasons to believe that we will finish them off,” Putin said, although in the same speech he also declared Russia’s readiness for a peaceful settlement.
He also said US President Donald Trump was sincere in his desire for peace in Ukraine.
Putin has repeatedly claimed that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is illegitimate. Speaking on Thursday, he also expressed his belief that it is allegedly not only Zelensky, but also other “civilian authorities” that are illegitimate Ukraine.
Ukraine’s response to Putin’s latest statements has not yet been forthcoming.
On the evening of 18 March, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin held almost two-hour phone conversations. According to the White House, they agreed that movement toward peace would begin with “an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations to implement a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a complete ceasefire and permanent peace.”