The introduction of external governance in Ukraine remains a hypothetical scenario, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his live Q&A session.
“It may sound unusual coming from me, but all of this is hypothetical in nature. Generally speaking, if there were such a will — including among Western countries — it might be possible, especially in the context of corruption revelations in Ukraine," he said.
Putin Signals Fatigue with Ukraine Coverage
During the same live broadcast, Vladimir Putin remarked that discussions about Ukraine had become excessive.
“People are tired of programs about Ukraine, so it’s probably time to wrap this up.”
He added that Russia should focus more on addressing its own domestic issues and covering them publicly.
“Maybe we should solve our own problems and talk about them. We are trying to do that,” he noted.
Peace Proposals and Russia’s Position
Putin also stated that Russia remains ready to end the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful means, based on Moscow’s proposals presented in the summer of 2024.
At the same time, he emphasized that Moscow does not currently see any willingness on the part of Kyiv to pursue a peaceful settlement.
Proposal for UN-Guided Administration
At the end of March, Putin suggested discussing with the United States, European countries, and Russia’s “partners and friends” the possibility of introducing temporary international administration in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations.
According to the president, such a measure would be necessary in order to:
“Bring to power a capable government that enjoys the trust of the people,”
— a government with which Moscow could conduct peace negotiations.
Kremlin and International Reactions
The Kremlin later clarified that Putin’s proposal was based on the situation unfolding in Ukraine at the time. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed that this was only one possible idea and that no concrete details had been developed.
“Processes are underway there that strongly indicate the situation is tending toward a loss of control,”
In response, the U.S. National Security Council stated that governance in Ukraine is determined by its Constitution and its people.
Elections and Legitimacy Debate
Presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine were not held on schedule due to the imposition of martial law. The Ukrainian Constitution explicitly prohibits elections while martial law remains in effect.
Putin has previously described the authority of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as illegitimate.
Zelensky, however, has stated that Kyiv is ready to hold elections. According to him, voting could take place within the next few months if Western partners help ensure Ukraine’s security.
Sources cited by Bild have claimed that Kyiv may be prepared to agree to elections within 100 days as part of a peace agreement under a U.S.-backed plan, albeit under certain conditions.
