Putin Proposes ‘Temporary Government’ in Ukraine to Remove Zelensky and Initiate Peace Talks

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By Staff Writer with Agencies

Moscow, March 28, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the establishment of a “temporary government” in Ukraine to replace President Volodymyr Zelensky and pave the way for peace negotiations. The remarks were made informally during a visit to the northern Russian port city of Murmansk, where Putin spoke with local sailors.

According to Russian news agencies, cited by Reuters, Putin suggested that the proposed interim government should be backed by the United Nations, the United States, European countries, and Russia’s allies. This administration would oversee Ukraine until new democratic elections could be organized.

“This would allow democratic elections to take place and bring to power a capable government that has the trust of the people,” Putin stated.

A Shift in Russia’s Stance on Ukraine’s Leadership

While Putin has previously called for Zelensky’s removal, this is the first time he has explicitly suggested the formation of an interim administration in Ukraine since the recent ceasefire negotiations began. His comments mark a potential shift in Russia’s diplomatic approach, aligning with his long-standing view that Ukraine’s current leadership lacks legitimacy.

Putin emphasized that the proposed government would serve as a step toward formal peace negotiations. “After that, we could begin discussions with the new authorities on a peace treaty,” he added, as quoted by the Associated Press.

Despite reiterating that Russia supports peaceful solutions to conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, Putin maintained that peace must not come “at our expense.”

Legitimacy Concerns Over Zelensky’s Presidency

Putin argued that Zelensky’s presidency has lost legitimacy because Ukraine did not hold scheduled elections last year. However, under Ukrainian law, martial law—imposed following Russia’s invasion in February 2022—prevents elections from being conducted during wartime.

Putin’s proposal has already sparked strong reactions from international observers. Western officials view this as another attempt by Moscow to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and install a more Russia-friendly administration. Meanwhile, Kyiv has firmly rejected any suggestion of negotiations that involve changes to its democratically elected government.

As diplomatic tensions continue, it remains to be seen whether Putin’s proposal will gain traction among international mediators or be dismissed as another strategic move by the Kremlin in the ongoing war.