White House: Ukraine’s Government Is Decided By Its Constitution and People

A White House National Security Council spokesperson on March 28, asked about Putin’s comments, and stated that governance in Ukraine is determined by the country’s constitution and its people.

The comments were made during Putin’s visit to the northern port of Murmansk and come as the United States continues efforts to mediate a resolution to the war by engaging both Moscow and Kyiv in separate discussions.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin proposed placing Ukraine under a temporary international administration to facilitate new elections and initiate peace negotiations on March 27.

Putin’s remarks follow his longstanding assertion that Ukraine’s current leadership lacks legitimacy, citing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continuation in office beyond the expiration of his constitutional term in May 2024.

There was no immediate response from Ukrainian officials.

Putin also expressed support for efforts by US President Donald Trump to initiate direct talks with Russia, contrasting them with the approach taken by President Joe Biden, who has largely avoided direct contact. “In my opinion, the newly elected president of the United States sincerely wants an end to the conflict for a number of reasons,” he was quoted as saying.

Earlier, at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk on March 27, Putin stated that the Arctic’s global strategic significance is growing and noted that geopolitical competition in the region is intensifying.