Russian President Vladimir Putin has intensified demands in ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, insisting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky be removed from power and replaced by a "transitional administration."

With Russia gaining the upper hand both militarily and diplomatically, Putin has directed his armed forces to ramp up their offensive and eliminate remaining Ukrainian troops. The shift in Moscow's approach comes as relations between Russia and the United States improve following Donald Trump's return to the White House, with the U.S. leader signaling a withdrawal of support for Kyiv.

Since the war began, Russia has maintained that Ukraine’s move to align with NATO and strengthen its military against Moscow triggered the conflict. The Kremlin holds President Zelensky responsible for geopolitical miscalculations that have further widened the rift between Russia and the West.

Putin’s Hardline Stance

Both Putin and Zelensky refuse direct communication, relying instead on intermediaries in neutral locations. The ongoing talks, facilitated by the United States under President Trump’s leadership, have raised concerns in Kyiv that Ukraine may be forced into a settlement favoring Moscow. Trump himself has publicly dismissed Zelensky’s leverage, asserting that the Ukrainian leader is at a disadvantage.

Speaking at an Arctic forum, Putin proposed that an international coalition—including the U.S., European nations, and UN representatives—consider establishing a transitional Ukrainian government. "Such a move would pave the way for democratic elections, leading to the formation of a government with true public support, capable of negotiating a peace deal on legitimate terms," he stated, subtly portraying Zelensky as an autocratic leader—a sentiment echoed by Trump in recent statements.

Additionally, Putin has called for increased military action, signaling that Russia is on the verge of achieving its strategic objectives. "Not long ago, I said, ‘We will finish them off.’ Now, there is every reason to believe that we will do just that," he declared. "Step by step, not as swiftly as some might hope, but steadily and decisively, we are moving toward fulfilling all the goals set at the outset of our special military operation."

Ukraine Faces Mounting Pressure

In response, Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to the Ukrainian presidency, accused Russia of undermining efforts for peace by escalating the war. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has made a desperate push to secure European backing, traveling to Paris to solidify allied support against Russia’s aggression and counter what he perceives as a pro-Moscow shift in U.S. policy under Trump.

However, after high-level discussions in Paris, Zelensky admitted that he left with "more questions than answers." European leaders, led by France and Britain, debated the possibility of deploying troops as part of a broader ceasefire framework, though concrete commitments remained elusive.