Vladimir Putin suggests putting Ukraine under U.N.-sponsored external governance, boasts battlefield gains

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposes external governance for Ukraine under U.N. to achieve peace, amid ongoing conflict and international negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on Friday (March 28, 2025) to put Ukraine under external governance under the U.N. aegis as part of efforts to reach a peaceful settlement, a blustery statement that reflected the Kremlin leader's determination to achieve his war goals.

Speaking to the crew of a Russian nuclear submarine in televised remarks broadcast early on Friday (March 28, 2025), Mr. Putin reaffirmed his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, lacks the legitimacy to sign a peace deal.

Under Ukraine’s constitution it is illegal for the country to hold national elections while it's under martial law.

Mr. Putin claimed that any agreement that is signed with the current Ukrainian government could be challenged by its successors and said new elections could be held under external governance.

“Under the auspices of the United Nations, with the United States, even with European countries, and, of course, with our partners and friends, we could discuss the possibility of introduction of temporary governance in Ukraine,” Putin said, adding that it would allow the country to “hold democratic elections, to bring to power a viable government that enjoys the trust of the people, and then begin negotiations with them on a peace treaty.”

He added that such external governance is just “one of the options,” without elaborating.

Mr. Putin's remarks came hours after the conclusion of a summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron that considered plans to deploy troops to Ukraine to cement an eventual peace deal. Macron said “several” other nations want to be part of the force alongside France and Britain.