Putin suggests external administration in Ukraine for democratic elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the possibility of discussing the idea of introducing an external international administration in Ukraine to conduct democratic elections.

Putin made the relevant statement during a conversation with the sailors of the nuclear-powered submarine cruiser Arkhangelsk, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"In principle, it could be discussed under the auspices of the UN with the US, European countries, our partners, and friends the possibility of introducing temporary administration in Ukraine. The goal would be to conduct democratic elections, establish a functioning government trusted by the people, and then begin peace negotiations," said Putin.

With this government, it would be possible to sign "legitimate documents that will be recognized worldwide and be reliable," he noted.

"But this is just one option. I am not saying that others do not exist. But this is one option, and such practices exist within UN peacekeeping activities," Putin explained.

He cited the examples of East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and parts of the former Yugoslavia as instances where "external administration, temporary administration" had been implemented.

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

According to Western media sources, Zelenskyy rejects any notion questioning his legitimacy, saying Ukraine is barred by law from holding elections under martial law and holding a poll in wartime conditions would in any case prove impossible.

The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly accused Putin in recent days of wanting to press on with the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration proposes a new, more expansive minerals deal with Ukraine, according to three people familiar with the ongoing negotiations and a summary of a draft proposal obtained by Reuters.

Trump has said a minerals deal will help secure a peace agreement by giving the United States a financial stake in Ukraine's future.

By Khagan Isayev