**Putin Suggests UN Take Control of Ukraine**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed that the United Nations take temporary control of Ukraine to hold new elections. He says this would allow for a “more competent” government to be elected.
This is not the first time Putin has questioned the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government. The White House says Ukraine’s governance will be decided by its constitution and people, not by outside forces.
**US Seeks Ceasefire**
The US is trying to broker a ceasefire in the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine. This comes as the two sides have agreed on a limited truce in the Black Sea area.
However, Russia then put forward a list of conditions for the ceasefire, including the lifting of some Western sanctions. This has raised concerns that Moscow may be trying to derail the peace talks.
**Putin’s Proposal**
Speaking to sailors on a nuclear-powered submarine in Murmansk, Putin suggested that UN control could be discussed with the US, European countries, and other partners. He says this would allow for democratic elections and a capable government to be elected.
However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has stayed in power despite his term ending because of the war. It would be almost impossible to hold valid elections while millions of Ukrainians are displaced or fighting on the front line.
**Moscow Sees Zelensky as Illegitimate**
The Russian government sees President Zelensky as illegitimate, claiming he has stayed in power beyond his term. However, Ukraine says this is due to martial law and the chaos of war.
By calling for an election, Putin may be trying to raise doubts about Zelensky’s legitimacy as a negotiating partner. The White House has already echoed this narrative.
**US Responds**
A US national security spokesperson said that governance in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and people, not by outside forces. They also said Russia is trying to stall movements towards peace.
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