On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a “transitional administration” to be put in place in Ukraine and Zelensky removal. Putin also ordered his armed forces to “finish off” Ukrainian troops, which signals Moscow’s growing confidence in its battlefield and diplomatic position.
The negotiations between Washington and Moscow after US President Donald Trump’s return to office have given Putin further leverage. Trump openly threatened Ukraine by saying the US will cut the support which has shifted the balance in favour of Russia. Ukraine now fears it could be forced into a settlement that favours Russian interests, as President Trump has publicly stated that President Zelensky “does not have the cards.”
Speaking at an Arctic forum early Friday, Putin proposed discussions with the United States, European nations, and Moscow’s allies under the United Nations’ supervision to establish a transitional administration in Ukraine for Zelensky removal and conduct elections.
By challenging Zelensky’s legitimacy, Putin said, “What for? To organize a democratic presidential election that would result in the coming to power of a competent government that would have the confidence of the people, and then begin negotiations with these authorities on a peace agreement and sign legitimate documents.” Moscow has repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s rule since his initial five-year term ended in May 2024, arguing that Ukraine’s decision to suspend elections during wartime is undemocratic.
Putin also made a direct appeal to Ukraine’s military leadership, urging them to remove Zelensky, whom he has consistently denounced as a “neo-Nazi” and “drug addict”.
Putin’s Tough Stance
With Moscow’s forces making steady advances on the battlefield, Putin urged his troops to intensify their efforts.
“I was saying not so long ago: ‘We will get them.’ There are reasons to believe that we will finish them off, too, “he said.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed fresh territorial gains, including the capture of a village in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region and the recapture of a border settlement in its own Kursk region.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later defended Putin’s remarks and said that the Ukrainian government has lost “total control” over its military. He also accused Kyiv of attempting to attack Russian energy infrastructure daily. Peskov, however, maintained that Moscow was still committed to its earlier pledge of not targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military continued heavy losses. On Friday, Kyiv confirmed that it had received 909 bodies of soldiers killed in battle—the largest single return of casualties till date.
Also Read: What is the Black Sea ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine and will it work?
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Scramble
Amid mounting pressure, Zelensky travelled to Paris to meet European leaders in an attempt to increase support against Russia. The talks, led by France and Britain, focused on a possible European military deployment in Ukraine as part of any future ceasefire or peace agreement. However, Zelensky expressed frustration after the meeting.
“I have many more questions than answers, ” he admitted, reflecting uncertainty over Europe’s commitment to countering Russia’s growing dominance.
Europe Sidelined
With the US and Russia taking centre stage in negotiations, European leaders have been sidelined. The Kremlin has now started to accuse the European Union of stalling progress, most notably in relation to sanctions relief. Peskov condemned the EU’s reluctance to discuss easing sanctions on Russia’s agricultural bank, which Moscow regards as a primary condition for resuming a Black Sea grain agreement.
“If European countries don’t want to go down this path, it means they don’t want to go down the path of peace in unison with the efforts shown in Moscow and Washington,” Peskov stated.
The ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and the US have frustrated the European leaders, as can be seen by their actions. Peace on Ukraine will also may put an end to the Zelensky conundrum.
