Putin opens for peace, but on Russian terms: ‘Ukraine under UN auspices’

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces readiness for peace negotiations, but only on Moscow’s terms. Russia claims strategic initiative on the ground and puts forward a proposal for an interim government in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN

Vladimir Putin, from the Arctic Circle, sent a message to the US and Ukraine’s allies, proposing a peaceful solution to the conflict, but maintaining a firm stance. ‘Russia is ready to work with any partner to reach an agreement,’ he said, pointing to Donald Trump as the main mediator in the negotiations. However, peace will have to be based on conditions imposed by Moscow, which will not give up the territories already conquered in Ukraine.

According to Putin, Russia has the strategic initiative along the entire front line, with Luhansk almost completely ‘liberated’ and significant progress in the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Kremlin leader stressed the importance of ensuring long-term Russian security and reiterated the need to eliminate the causes of the crisis in order to reach a lasting solution.

Putin also put forward the proposal to create an interim government in Ukraine, under the auspices of the UN and a group of countries, to allow elections to be held. He also stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not legitimate, as there have been no elections in the country. This position, although similar to that expressed in the past by Donald Trump, highlights a Russian vision of a future Ukrainian government run by an international coalition.

Despite his distrust of Europe, accused of wanting to take advantage of the situation, Putin opened the door to cooperation with other global players such as the Brics countries and even North Korea, mentioning Kim Jong-un’s contribution to the negotiation process. However, the Russian leader warned against placing trust in Western partners, signalling a cautious approach to possible future alliances.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)