​On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed the formation of a temporary government in Ukraine under the supervision of the United Nations to facilitate new elections. He claimed that such a government would have the people's trust and could engage in peace negotiations. Putin also suggested that "legitimate documents" to end the three-year-long war could be signed with the new administration, which he said would have global recognition, indicating his reluctance to negotiate with the current Zelenskyy government.

He challenged President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s authority and legitimacy, stating that it was unclear who Russia should sign agreements with, as “other leaders will come tomorrow".

“It is still not clear with whom to sign certain documents, and it is still not clear what power they have because tomorrow other leaders will come… through elections. There is such a practice. And in principle, of course, it would be possible, under the auspices of the United Nations, with the United States, even with European countries, of course, with our partners and friends, to discuss the possibility of introducing interim administration in Ukraine," Putin stated in the northern port of Murmansk. “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, to sign legitimate documents that will be recognised worldwide," Putin expressed.

He claimed that Ukraine's current authorities are illegitimate since no elections were held in the country after Zelenskyy's term ended last year. “If he himself (Zelenskyy) is illegitimate, then all the others are too," Putin stated, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Putin’s comments on Ukraine’s temporary government aligned with his longstanding claim that Zelenskyy lacks legitimacy as a negotiating partner, arguing that he has remained in power beyond his term since May 2024. However, elections cannot be held in Ukraine due to the martial law that has existed for three years. In February, the Ukrainian Parliament reaffirmed Zelenskyy’s legitimacy with a clear majority vote. Putin also stated that Russia is steadily progressing toward its objectives in the ongoing conflict.

He praised US President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the war and initiate direct talks with Russia, contrasting them with the approach of his predecessor, Joe Biden. He stated that Trump’s actions demonstrated his desire for peace.

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