Putin suggests temporary administration for Ukraine to end war

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested Ukraine be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow for new elections and the signature of key accords to reach a settlement in the war, Russian news agencies reported early on March 28.

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MOSCOW -

Mr Putin's comments, during a visit to the northern port of Murmansk, come amid US attempts to forge a settlement to the conflict by re-establishing links with Russia and engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv, in separate talks.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has left hundreds of thousands dead and injured, displaced millions, reduced towns to rubble and triggered the sharpest confrontation in decades between Moscow and the West.

Mr Putin's suggestion of a temporary administration appeared to address his long-held complaint that Ukraine's authorities are not a legitimate negotiating partner, as President Volodymyr Zelensky has stayed in power beyond the May 2024 end of his mandate.

"In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the US, European countries and our partners," Mr Putin was quoted as saying in talks with seamen at the port.

"This would be in order to hold democratic elections and bring to power a capable government enjoying the trust of the people, and then to start talks with them about a peace treaty."