In a recent statement that’s bound to stir controversy, Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resign in an attempt to speed up a peace agreement.
During a visit to Murmansk, where he was launching a nuclear-powered submarine, the 72-year-old Russian leader boldly claimed that Russia now holds the “strategic initiative” on the war’s front lines.
Russia’s Shift in War Strategy
Putin didn’t stop there, escalating his rhetoric by making a new threat.
He explained that Russian forces had moved beyond the phase of simply “grinding down” Ukraine, now vowing to “finish them off.”
His remarks were a clear signal of Russia’s intent to push forward aggressively.
In his speech, Putin also suggested that the United Nations should step in and take charge of Kyiv, proposing that they install “competent” leadership willing to sign a peace deal.
He implied that Zelensky, having exceeded his original mandate due to his prolonged time in office, no longer had the legitimacy to make such decisions.
The Legal Reality in Ukraine
However, this argument overlooks the realities of Ukrainian law.
The country is under martial law, which prohibits elections, making it practically impossible to hold a vote while millions of Ukrainians are living abroad or fighting on the front lines.
Ukrainian officials have criticized Putin’s statement, calling it another example of the Russian leader stalling peace talks.
Zelensky’s Team Responds to Putin’s Claims
Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelensky, dismissed Putin’s comments as proof that Russia isn’t serious about any peace proposals.
Yermak stressed that these outlandish claims further delayed any possibility of negotiations.
Putin Takes a Jab at the UK’s Military Strength
While in Murmansk, Putin also took a swipe at the United Kingdom’s military, mocking their size and capabilities.
He said, “Britain is jumping on us, behaving aggressively, but their economy is, I think, in the ninth or tenth place in the world.”
He went on to point out that the UK’s armed forces only number around 170,000 or 180,000 troops, calling it a modest force compared to Russia’s.
Russian Drone Strikes on Ukraine Continue
Putin’s comments come just days after Russia launched a brutal series of drone attacks on Ukraine.
These strikes, carried out using Iranian-designed Shahed drones, targeted civilians and resulted in at least 11 injuries, including that of a 14-year-old child.
A 12-year-old girl was also wounded during the bombardment.
In one chilling incident, players at a football match in Kharkiv were seen fleeing in terror as a drone exploded nearby.
The attacks caused widespread damage, including fires across four separate locations.
According to local authorities, multi-story residential buildings, cars, and infrastructure were all damaged.
Zelensky’s Ceasefire Offer and Putin’s Unwillingness to Negotiate
In a move to prove Putin’s claims about his readiness for peace were false, Zelensky announced his agreement to an unconditional ceasefire.
He pointed to private conversations with leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and various Middle Eastern officials, who suggested that Putin was open to a ceasefire.
Zelensky’s actions are intended to demonstrate Ukraine’s willingness to de-escalate, yet he insists Putin’s unwillingness to follow suit reveals the true nature of Russia’s intentions.
As the war continues, it remains to be seen whether any real progress toward peace can be made.
But for now, Zelensky’s team is pushing back against Putin’s attempts to control the narrative and delay any possible resolution.