Putin Calls Ukrainian Government Illegitimate, Proposes UN-Backed Regime Change

The Russian President once again called the Ukrainian government illegitimate and proposed establishing a “temporary administration” in Kyiv under the auspices of the UN, Orda.kz reports, citing the Kremlin’s official website.

The statement came during Vladimir Putin’s visit to the nuclear submarine cruiser Arkhangelsk, where he addressed the submarine’s crew and spoke about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine:

From the very beginning, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the so-called Nazis, as nationalists are called in Ukraine, have had a very big influence in Ukraine. People with such neo-Nazi views,
 the Russian President stated.

He went on to recall a 2017 U.S. Congressional amendment that initially prohibited cooperation with Ukrainian units like the Azov Battalion. The ban was later lifted.

Citing this, Putin questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s current government.

Under the conditions of this actual illegitimacy, neo-Nazi groups are receiving additional weapons and recruiting new people into their ranks. What could this lead to? The actual power is in their hands, and it is unclear with whom to sign documents, it is unclear what kind of power they have. Because tomorrow other leaders who will come through elections will say: 'Who signed what, we don't know. Goodbye,'
 Vladimir Putin spoke out.

As a resolution, the Russian President suggested a “global practice” approach by implementing a temporary administration in Ukraine under UN peacekeeping efforts. He said he would be ready to sign a peace treaty with Ukraine, but only with a new, democratically elected government.

Hold democratic elections in order to bring to power a government that is capable and enjoys the trust of the people. And then sign legitimate documents with them on a peace treaty that will be recognized throughout the world and will be reliable,
 said Vladimir Putin.

Putin also added that there could be other pathways toward resolving the conflict.

According to Reuters, the United States has already responded to the statement.

A spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council said that authority in Ukraine is determined solely by its constitution and the Ukrainian people.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva