Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested the possibility of placing Ukraine under a temporary international administration to facilitate new elections and negotiate peace. The proposal, made during a speech in Murmansk, underscores Russia’s push for a long-term resolution to the ongoing war, which has persisted for more than three years.

Putin’s remarks indicated that the temporary administration could operate under the supervision of the United Nations, the United States, European countries, and Russia’s allies. He argued that such a mechanism would help establish a legitimate government in Ukraine, which could then serve as a credible partner in peace talks.

“We are in favor of peaceful solutions to any conflict, including this one, through peaceful means, but not at our expense,” Putin stated, emphasizing Russia’s continued strategic progress in the conflict. He also stressed that Russian forces maintain the initiative along the front lines.

In his speech, Putin expressed confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump’s willingness to end the war. He suggested that Trump’s approach to Russia was more pragmatic than that of his predecessor, hinting at potential diplomatic openings in the near future.

“In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons,” Putin remarked, without elaborating further.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his administration have dismissed Putin’s suggestion as another attempt to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Zelensky, whose mandate technically expired in May 2024, continues to lead under wartime conditions.

A key presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, denounced Putin’s terms as “offensive to common sense,” urging Ukraine’s allies to see through what he called a deceptive proposal.

Western nations have also reacted with skepticism. At a recent summit in Paris, European leaders unanimously agreed that lifting sanctions on Russia would be premature. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocated for even stronger measures against Moscow, while French President Emmanuel Macron maintained that sanctions should remain in place until a lasting peace settlement is reached.

### **Military Presence and Unconfirmed Reports**
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced regarding the deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine, although Moscow has yet to confirm these claims. The presence of foreign military personnel has raised concerns about further escalation and international involvement in the war.

### **A Complex Path to Peace**
As the conflict drags on, Putin’s proposal adds another dimension to the ongoing debate about Ukraine’s future. While Russia positions itself as willing to negotiate, Kyiv and its allies remain deeply skeptical of Moscow’s true intentions. With no clear resolution in sight, the war in Ukraine continues to shape global geopolitics and test the resilience of international diplomacy.