In a recent twist, Vladimir Putin has put forth a new proposition aimed at accelerating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. This comes after more than three years since the initial invasion by Russia in February 2022. Both nations have recently reached a ceasefire arrangement, facilitated by the United States.
Ukraine’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, announced earlier this week via X about a partial and temporary truce over the Black Sea. This agreement ensures safe navigation and passage through the waters while restraining Russian military vessels from operating across the area.
However, Putin has now introduced an unexpected suggestion, proposing that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy resign to expedite the peace negotiations.
Putin has called for a provisional government in Ukraine, backed by the United Nations. He stated that the interim administration would be overseen by the UN until an election could take place, aiming to establish ‘a competent government trusted by the people’.
Due to Ukraine being under martial law, elections are currently not feasible, and this state will persist as long as the conflict continues.
In response to these remarks, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, expressed on X, “Russia is trying to derail the path to peace by choosing to continue the war.”
According to the BBC, Putin has also claimed Russian forces hold the ‘strategic initiative’ against Ukrainian troops on the front line, asserting they could ‘finish them off’.
Earlier this month, discussions between Trump and Putin led to conditions permitting a ceasefire in Ukraine.
A statement from The White House outlined: “Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.”
“They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.”
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East.”
Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in discussions with Zelenskyy to determine the best strategy from the European Union to bring an end to the conflict.
Macron has accused Moscow of demonstrating a ‘desire for war’ and imposing ‘new conditions’ on the offer. This statement followed the Kremlin’s assertion that the Black Sea deal was contingent upon the lifting of international economic sanctions against Russia.
“Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” Macron declared. “There is just one aggressor and one party that is resisting.”
Zelenskyy also expressed hope that the US will ‘have enough strength’ to continue urging Putin towards agreeing to a ceasefire.