Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a startling demand to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming it would accelerate a peace agreement between the two nations.
More than three years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Recently, the two countries, with U.S. mediation, agreed to a partial ceasefire over the Black Sea. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the truce on X, confirming that it allows safe navigation while halting Russian military operations in the area.
However, Putin has now suggested that Zelenskyy step down to expedite peace talks. He proposed an interim government under United Nations supervision until elections can be held, stating that this would ensure “a competent government trusted by the people.”
Under Ukraine’s current martial law, elections cannot take place while the conflict continues.
Reacting to Putin’s remarks, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, stated on X: “Russia is trying to derail the path to peace by choosing to continue the war.”
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Putin claims Russian forces have the “strategic initiative” on the front line and could “finish off” Ukrainian troops.
Putin has suggested an interim governance (SERGEI ILYIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Earlier this month, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement on conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
In a statement, the White House said:
“Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict must end with a lasting peace.
“They also emphasized the importance of improving bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and resources spent by both Ukraine and Russia in this war would be better used for their people’s needs.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been resolved long ago through sincere and good-faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the path to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, followed by technical negotiations on implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, leading to a full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will commence immediately in the Middle East.”
Ukraine is currently under martial law (Danylo Antoniuk/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the European Union’s role in ending the war.
Macron accused Moscow of displaying a “desire for war” and introducing “new conditions” to the ceasefire deal after the Kremlin linked the Black Sea agreement to the lifting of international economic sanctions on Russia.
“Russia shall have no right to dictate the support we provide to Ukraine, nor set the conditions,” Macron stated. “There is only one aggressor and one nation resisting.”
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expressed hope that the U.S. would “have enough strength” to continue pressuring Putin into accepting a ceasefire.
