Vladimir Putin has issued a new demand to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming it would speed up a peace deal between the two countries.
It's now been over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine back in February 2022. The two countries recently agreed to a ceasefire deal, with the help of the US.
Earlier this week, Ukraine's defense minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the welcome news of a partial and temporary truce over the Black Sea between the two countries on X, allowing for safe navigation and passage through the waters while stopping Russia's military vessels across the vast stretch.
Advert
However, Putin has now made a surprising request, suggesting that Zelenskyy step down in order to speed up the peace talks.
Putin has requested an interim governance in the country, under the support of the UN, adding that the government would be supervised by the UN until an election could be held 'in order to bring in a competent government trusted by people'.
An election cannot be held because Ukraine is currently under martial law, which will remain as long as the conflict between the two countries continues.
Following the comments, head of Zelenskyy's office, Andriy Yermak, said on X yesterday (28 March): "Russia is trying to derail the path to peace by choosing to continue the war."
Meanwhile, the BBC reports Putin has claimed Russian forces have the 'strategic initiative' on the front line over Ukrainian troops, and that they could 'finish them off'.
Earlier this month, Trump and Putin agreed to conditions that allow for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
A statement from The White House explained: “Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.
“They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people.
“This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."
However, earlier this week, French president, Emmanuel Macron met with Zelenskyy to determine the best cause of action from the European Union to put an end to the war.
Macron accused Moscow of showing a 'desire for war' and of adding 'new conditions' to the offer after the Kremlin said the Black Sea deal depended on the lifting of international economic sanctions against Russia.
"Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions," Macron said.
"There is just one aggressor and one party that is resisting."
Zelenskyy also said he hopes the US will 'have enough strength' to continue to press Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire.
Topics: Ukraine, Russia, World News, News
Lucy Devine