Putin Proposes North Korea and BRICS in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that North Korea and other Moscow-aligned nations, including BRICS members, should participate in negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine. According to Russian state media, he also proposed placing Ukraine under a "temporary administration" as part of a broader peace process.

Speaking in Murmansk to Russian servicemen, Putin outlined potential steps toward ending the conflict, which began in February 2022. The state news agency TASS reported that his plan includes holding new elections in Ukraine and formalizing agreements under international oversight. He indicated that such an administration could be managed by the UN, the US, European nations, and Russia’s allies.

"This approach would enable democratic elections, leading to a government with public trust, which could then engage in peace talks," Putin stated. He emphasized that Moscow supports a peaceful resolution but insisted that the root causes of the war must be addressed.

Putin further argued that the peace process should extend beyond the US and Russia, involving China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and even North Korea. Pyongyang has reportedly deployed thousands of additional troops to support Russian forces in Ukraine, according to South Korean military reports.

While expressing openness to working with Europe, Putin accused Western nations of inconsistent behavior and deception. However, he commended former US President Donald Trump, describing him as genuinely committed to ending the war.

Putin’s remarks coincided with ongoing diplomatic efforts in Riyadh, where Russian, Ukrainian, and American officials have been discussing a temporary ceasefire. Despite reports of a tentative agreement to avoid attacks on Black Sea vessels, both sides have accused each other of violating peace commitments. Ukraine condemned an alleged Russian drone strike on Mykolaiv, while Moscow accused Kyiv of targeting its energy infrastructure.

A second round of negotiations is expected to take place in mid-April in Saudi Arabia.