Putin Wants Zelensky Out: Russian President Vladimir Putin has made another bold and controversial move by proposing the establishment of a transitional administration in Ukraine, further heightening tensions with Kyiv and the West. His aggressive stance was revealed during an Arctic forum on Friday, where he also threatened to “finish off” Ukrainian forces. The remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for a ceasefire, following his return to office, signaling a potential shift in Washington’s Ukraine policy.
Putin Wants Zelensky Out: Transitional Administration Proposal
In a statement that sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles, Putin openly called for the creation of a transitional administration in Ukraine under the supervision of the United Nations. Putin suggested that such a move would pave the way for a so-called “democratic presidential election,” leading to the formation of a government more favorable to Russia.
Putin stated, “We can discuss with the United States, Europe, and our allies under the auspices of the UN the possibility of establishing a transitional administration in Ukraine. The aim is to organize a legitimate presidential election, resulting in a competent government trusted by the Ukrainian people, which will then engage in genuine peace talks.”
The proposal reaffirms the Kremlin’s long-standing desire to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and install a Moscow-friendly regime. Putin’s confidence appears to have grown amid Trump’s veiled threats to halt American military support for Kyiv.
Putin Wants Zelensky Out to ‘Finish Off’ Ukrainian Resistance
Adding fuel to the fire, Putin, who has now been in power for 25 years, made a chilling statement, declaring that Russian forces will “finish off” Ukrainian troops. Referring to Russia’s military advances, he said, “We are persistently and confidently moving toward achieving all the goals stated at the beginning of the special operation. We will finish them off.”
Putin also issued a direct appeal to Ukraine’s top military leaders, urging them to depose Zelensky, whom he frequently labels a neo-Nazi and drug addict—allegations widely dismissed internationally. Furthermore, Moscow continues to question Zelensky’s legitimacy since his first five-year term officially expired in May 2024. However, Ukrainian law prohibits elections during active military conflict, and most of Zelensky’s political rivals support postponing elections until hostilities cease.
Putin Wants Zelensky Out: Kremlin Justifies Transitional Administration Amid Kyiv’s Weakness
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended Putin’s remarks, asserting that Ukraine’s military is out of control and accused it of daily attacks on Russian energy facilities. “Given the Kyiv regime’s lack of control over its forces, the suggestion for a transitional administration in Ukraine is logical,” Peskov said.
He further warned that Russia might abandon its restraint regarding attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, claiming that Kyiv had repeatedly violated Russia’s self-imposed moratorium on such targets. However, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia had already launched 163 drones overnight, striking agricultural and energy sites, particularly in Ukraine’s southern regions.
Putin Wants Zelensky Out as Battlefield Situation Evolves
While proposing the transitional administration in Ukraine, Russia also boasted of military progress. The Kremlin’s defense ministry reported the capture of a village in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region and the retaking of a border settlement in Russia’s Kursk region.
These latest developments follow Putin’s recent orders to maximize Russia’s military advantage, emphasizing superiority in manpower and weaponry. Despite early setbacks in 2022 when Moscow failed to seize Kyiv swiftly, Russian forces are steadily advancing, according to Putin.
Putin Wants Zelensky Out: Ukraine and Allies Reject Transitional Administration
Ukraine swiftly rejected the proposal for a transitional administration in Ukraine. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelensky, stated, “Russia is trying to derail the path to peace by choosing to continue the war.”
Ukraine accused Russia of manipulating peace talks, using Trump’s ceasefire push as cover while preparing for further aggression. The Kremlin, on the other hand, blames European nations for blocking meaningful peace negotiations by refusing to lift sanctions on a Russian agricultural bank.
Peskov criticized the European Union, saying, “If European countries don’t want to consider lifting sanctions, they don’t want peace.”
Conclusion: Putin Wants Zelensky Out — Transitional Administration or Prelude to Escalation?
Putin’s call for a transitional administration in Ukraine comes as a stark warning that Moscow is intensifying its campaign rather than seeking genuine peace. The combination of territorial gains, military threats, and a readiness to bypass Ukraine’s elected government points to a heightened phase of the conflict.
With Washington’s stance possibly softening under Trump’s new administration, Putin is seizing the moment to push forward with a plan that could dramatically reshape Ukraine’s political landscape. However, whether this will result in a diplomatic breakthrough or deeper international isolation for Russia remains to be seen.
