European Commission rejects Putin’s plan for a transitional government

BRUSSELS (ANP/AFP) – “Putin is a criminal and he is wanted for war crimes. We are not going to pay attention to or comment on what he puts out as propaganda,” said the spokesperson. The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is legitimate, democratically elected, she added. “As long as the Ukrainian people do not demand elections, no one else should propose elections.”

Putin wants to discuss with the United States, Europe, and Moscow’s allies the possibility of “installing a transitional government in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN.” He said that in a speech on Friday.

According to Putin, this can be done if a democratic presidential election is organized in Ukraine so that a “competent government” can be installed “that has the trust of the people.” Then negotiations for a peace agreement can be started with that new government, Putin wants.

It is not the first time that Putin has questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as a democratically elected leader. U.S. President Donald Trump previously called Zelensky “a dictator without elections” as well. That also drew criticism from the Commission.

The Constitution of Ukraine does not allow elections during wartime.

(March 28, 2025)