Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strongly rejected any doubts over his legitimacy, pointing out that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law. He also contended that conducting elections under war conditions would be practically impossible. Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, has proposed putting Ukraine under temporary administration to make way for new elections and negotiations for a solution to the current war. His comments are timed at a turning point, when global diplomatic activities are increasing as they seek an end to the war.

Putin’s Temporary Administration Proposal

In a trip to Murmansk, Putin suggested that Ukraine come under an interim authority run by the United Nations, the United States, European nations, and other world partners. According to him, this arrangement would be a precursor for democratic elections and a government able to negotiate peace with Russia.

“In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries, and our partners,” Putin said, as quoted by Russian news agencies. “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.”

The Kremlin’s statements seem to express his longtime position that the existing leadership of Ukraine is not legitimate. Putin has consistently claimed that Zelenskiy’s continued hold on office after May 2024, when the official end of his mandate, undermines the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government as a negotiating party.

The US and Europe React

The offer for a provisional administration was not greeted with an immediate reaction by Western powers. The White House National Security Council spokesman brushed the proposal aside and claimed that what governs Ukraine is its people and its constitution. The remark added to U.S. diplomatic rhetoric that Russia’s assertions to undermine Ukraine’s leadership and sovereignty were baseless.

European politicians, in the meantime, met in Paris to debate the strengthening of Ukraine’s armed forces, so that Kyiv can continue to defend itself in the next security arrangement. France and Britain have investigated the possibility of a foreign “reassurance force” should there be a ceasefire with Moscow. But Moscow has already refused to have any foreign forces on Ukrainian territory, showing more geopolitical tension along this axis.

Zelenskiy’s Refutation and Position of Ukraine

Zelenskiy has brushed aside all claims regarding the legitimacy of his government as unfounded. He has been insisting time and again that Ukraine is legally not in a position to hold elections during martial law, and even if legal, wartime scenarios render a countrywide poll logistically impossible.

The Ukrainian president has also blamed Putin for planning to prolong the war instead of pursuing peace. Recent Kremlin statements indicate that Moscow is committed to continuing its military campaign, asserting strategic gains on the battlefield. Putin has maintained that Russia is advancing steadily towards fulfilling its goals in Ukraine, though at a slow pace.

“During the whole course of military contact, our army is maintaining the strategic initiative,” Putin stated. “We are moving step by step—maybe not as rapidly as some may have wished—but still insistently and confidently towards fulfilling the objectives established at the start of this operation.”

The Role of the Trump Administration in Diplomacy

As talks of possible peace talks continue, former U.S. President Donald Trump has offered a new and wider minerals agreement with Ukraine. The action, sources say, is designed to provide the U.S. with a financial interest in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and stability. Trump has indicated that such an agreement would be a basis for a peace settlement, guaranteeing long-term U.S. engagement in Ukraine’s economic revival.

Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, who tended to steer clear of direct confrontation with Russia, Trump has signaled a readiness to negotiate. Putin, for his part, has embraced this strategy, saying that he thinks Trump really wants the conflict to end for strategic motives.

“In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons,” Putin said.

Russia’s Shifting Global Alliances

While Western countries continue to support Ukraine, Russia has turned to other diplomatic avenues, most importantly through the BRICS economic grouping. Putin has commended China and India for their attempts at finding a solution to the crisis, highlighting Moscow’s desire to develop relations with non-Western partners.

In addition, reports suggest that North Korea has deployed more than 11,000 soldiers to aid Russian troops in Ukraine’s western Kursk province. While Moscow has not officially confirmed the deployments, Western intelligence agencies are convinced that Pyongyang’s role is growing.

Putin also indicated Russia’s readiness to talk to European countries, but warily. He condemned European leaders for what he described as their “inconsistent” negotiating stance, accusing them of trying to deceive Russia.

“Europe conducts itself in inconsistent fashion,” Putin stated. “They try to lead us around by the nose, but it’s okay, we’ve become used to it. I hope that we won’t make any mistakes based on excessive trust in our so-called partners.”

Current State of the War and Future Prospects

Over three years since Russia launched its all-out invasion of Ukraine, Moscow now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian land. The conflict has caused hundreds of thousands of fatalities, displaced millions, and razed towns and cities across the country.

As diplomatic talks persist, the battlefield is not quiet. Ukrainian troops have undertaken counterattacks in some regions, seeking to recover territory lost, while Russia continues to solidify control over annexed territory. The ongoing armed conflict makes the viability of any near-term peace agreement more difficult.

For the present, Ukraine sticks to its denial of outside initiatives challenging its governance, while Russia insists on diplomatic channels that will give it a larger say over Ukraine’s future politics. For international players like the U.S. and Europe, as they try to map out their approach, the question of a sustained solution remains on the table.

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Written by Saurabh Tamhane

Saurabh Tamhane is the founder and editorial head of Sejal News Network. With over 5 years of experience in digital journalism and storytelling, he covers politics, technology, and startup culture with a sharp analytical eye. <strong>Expertise:</strong> Investigative Journalism, Startup News, Public Policy