Vladimir Putin’s Limousine Catches Fire Near FSB Headquarters in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a "transitional administration" in Ukraine, urging the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky, as U.S. President Donald Trump advocates for a ceasefire. Speaking at an Arctic forum on March 28, 2025, Putin expressed his desire for a more Moscow-friendly government in Kyiv and signaled that Russia is open to discussions under UN auspices regarding a new electoral process in Ukraine. According to Kremlin officials, the call to oust Zelensky stems from what they allege to be a "total lack of control" over the Ukrainian military. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its military actions, reportedly executing drone strikes on Ukrainian energy targets, which Ukraine claims contravene a self-imposed moratorium. The Kremlin has dismissed U.S.-Ukrainian ceasefire proposals, asserting that Russia's military objectives will continue unabated. The situation remains tense, with Ukraine accusing Russia of prolonging the conflict and undermining prospects for peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the establishment of a “transitional administration” in Ukraine on March 28, 2025, and declared his intent to “finish off” Ukrainian military forces. These remarks coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a ceasefire, reflecting a notable shift in U.S.-Russia relations since Trump took office again. According to Putin, a democratic presidential election in Ukraine could pave the way for peace talks, aiming to create a government that holds public confidence. Putin's call to replace Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky aligns with his ongoing attempts to foster a pro-Moscow regime. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov justified Putin's comments by criticizing the Ukrainian leadership's control over their military amid ongoing conflict, which has reportedly claimed tens of thousands of lives. Putin's statements come as Russian forces claim territorial advancements in Ukraine, despite prior assertions of not targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials, including chief of staff Andriy Yermak, accused Russia of prolonging the conflict, undermining efforts for peace, and dragging out negotiations while maintaining military pressure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia has effectively trapped the remaining Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, a focal point of conflict for over seven months. During a news conference, Putin asserted that the situation was “completely under our control” and directed military commanders to swiftly eliminate remaining Ukrainian forces. In response, Ukraine's top military officials refuted claims of being encircled, stating they are reinforcing their defensive positions. Ukrainian General Staff reported successfully repelling five Russian attacks and ongoing clashes across multiple locations. Despite this, maps from Deep State, a Ukrainian conflict monitoring source, indicate significant territorial losses for Ukraine in recent weeks. Putin expressed optimism for the Russian military's progress, indicating that options for Ukrainian soldiers would soon be limited to surrender or die. He emphasized the necessity of a truce that would address the root causes of the conflict, complicating discussions about a proposed 30-day ceasefire endorsed by the United States and Ukraine.