Fri Mar 28 11:29:34 UTC 2025: ## Putin Proposes UN-Backed External Governance for Ukraine Amidst Ongoing Conflict
**Moscow, March 28, 2025** – Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on Friday a plan for external governance of Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations as a pathway to peace. Speaking to the crew of a nuclear submarine, Putin reiterated his assertion that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lacks the legitimacy to negotiate a peace deal, citing the ongoing martial law preventing elections. He suggested that temporary UN-supervised governance could facilitate democratic elections and the formation of a new government, paving the way for peace negotiations. This proposal, Putin stated, is merely “one of the options.”
This statement comes hours after a summit in Paris, where French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders discussed deploying a multinational peacekeeping force to Ukraine following a peace agreement. While France and Britain are reportedly considering participation, Russia has already stated its opposition to any NATO involvement. Participants in the Paris summit accused Russia of insincerity in its pursuit of a negotiated settlement, accusing them of stalling tactics.
The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, with Russia launching a large-scale drone attack on Thursday night, causing damage to infrastructure and residential buildings across several Ukrainian regions. Ukraine, in turn, reported attacks on its gas infrastructure and alleged Russian strikes on energy facilities within Russia itself. Both sides accuse each other of violating a tentative U.S.-brokered agreement to pause strikes on energy infrastructure.
Despite the ongoing hostilities and accusations of violations, Ukraine has agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration. However, Putin has made a complete ceasefire conditional on halting arms supplies to Kyiv and suspending Ukraine’s military mobilization – conditions rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies. Putin claims Russian troops are making steady gains and maintain the strategic initiative, while Zelenskyy warns of impending larger Russian offensives.
Putin’s demands for a peace settlement include Ukraine withdrawing forces from regions annexed by Russia, renouncing NATO membership, significantly reducing its military, and legally protecting the Russian language and culture. Furthermore, Russia seeks the unfreezing of its assets in the West and the lifting of sanctions. The Trump administration has indicated a willingness to consider sanctions relief. The situation remains tense, with significant obstacles hindering any immediate path to a resolution.
First Piper 