Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the issue of “temporary governance” of Ukraine under the auspices of the UN and the West can be discussed. He said this during a meeting with the crew of the Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine, the Kremlin’s RIA Novosti news agency reports.
“In principle, of course, it would be possible to discuss the possibility of introducing interim rule in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the US, with European countries, with our partners and friends. In order to hold democratic elections,” Putin said.
The dictator added that it would be possible to start negotiations with such a government and sign “legitimate documents”, which, in his words, would be recognised by the international community.
Western reaction
The White House promptly responded to Putin’s statements. A spokesman for the US National Security Council told Reuters that Ukraine’s government is determined solely by its people:
“Power in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and the people of the country.”
This statement once again underlined that the United States does not accept Russian attempts to impose any scenarios on Ukraine that contradict the sovereignty of the state.
What is behind Putin’s words?
Experts see Putin’s statement as another information operation aimed at creating the illusion of “readiness” for dialogue, while Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. It is also worth noting that Putin mentioned Azov, calling it a problem that is “gaining actual power”.
Such statements by the Kremlin are aimed at both information pressure and mobilisation of the domestic audience ahead of future political decisions of the Russian Federation.
