**White House Rejects Putin’s Proposal**
The White House has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to set up a temporary government in Ukraine under United Nations supervision. This was reported by Reuters on March 28.
Putin had suggested that a transitional administration, overseen by the U.N. and several countries, could be formed in Ukraine to organize elections. However, the White House National Security Council spokesperson dismissed this proposal, saying that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and people.
**Russian Officials Question Zelensky’s Legitimacy**
This rejection comes as Russian officials have repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Russia itself is classified as a consolidated authoritarian regime with manipulated elections, according to Freedom House.
Putin has been criticized for suppressing opposition in Russia, including imprisoning, exiling, or silencing his rivals. Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed in an Arctic prison in February 2024 under suspicious circumstances.
**Ukraine’s Constitution Prohibits Elections During Martial Law**
Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law, which has been in place since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Putin claimed that Ukraine’s current leadership is illegitimate because elections were not held after Zelensky’s term expired.
**No Peace Deal in Sight**
Despite claims of upholding an informal ceasefire on energy infrastructure, Russia struck energy targets in Kherson on March 27. The U.S. has been mediating negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war, but no peace deal is yet in sight.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com