Putin urges Ukrainian military leaders to remove Zelensky from power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian military leaders to remove President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposing the establishment of a “transitional administration” in Ukraine, while asserting that his forces would decisively defeat Ukrainian troops.

These assertive comments coincide with US President Donald Trump’s advocacy for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. 

The recent warming of relations between Washington and Moscow, alongside Trump’s threats to withdraw support for Kyiv, has seemingly emboldened Putin more than three years into a conflict that has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. This latest call to oust Zelenskyy reflects Putin’s enduring ambition to install a pro-Moscow government in Kyiv. 

During an Arctic forum on March 28, Putin suggested that discussions could be held with the US, Europe, and allies under UN auspices to explore the formation of a transitional administration in Ukraine. 

“He claimed this would facilitate a democratic election leading to a government that enjoys public trust, paving the way for peace negotiations. “

Initially, Moscow aimed to swiftly seize control of the Kyiv government in 2022 but faced unexpected resistance from Ukraine’s forces. 

Putin has publicly labeled Zelenskyy as a ‘neo-Nazi ‘and drug addict, without substantiating these claims, while also questioning his legitimacy as president, especially as Zelenskyy’s first term was set to conclude in May 2024.

Ukrainian law prohibits elections during significant military conflicts, and Zelenskyy’s political opponents have unanimously agreed that no elections should occur until the war is resolved.

Putin, who has held power for 25 years and has been repeatedly elected in uncontested elections, has consistently accused Ukraine of lacking ‘democratic governance’ throughout the ongoing conflict.

In response to Putin’s statements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attributed these remarks to what Moscow perceives as the Ukrainian leadership’s “total lack of control” over its military, which he claimed is attempting to strike Russian energy infrastructure “on a daily basis.” Peskov noted that, for now, Russia is adhering to a pledge not to target Ukrainian energy facilities, despite numerous assertions from Kyiv, including recent claims, that Russia has conducted attacks on them. He added that the Russian side reserves the right to abandon this commitment if the Kyiv regime fails to uphold the moratorium.