Overview

• Vladimir Putin has proposed a UN-led transitional administration in Ukraine to facilitate democratic elections and negotiate peace with newly elected authorities.
• The Russian president cited the UN's transitional administration in East Timor as a precedent for his proposal.
• Putin claims Russian forces hold the 'strategic initiative' across the entire Ukrainian front line, signaling continued military advances.
• European allies, meeting in Paris, rejected lifting sanctions on Russia and discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, including a potential 'reassurance force' led by the UK and France.
• The United States continues its diplomatic shift toward Russia, raising concerns about Ukraine and Europe's exclusion from key negotiations.