Vladimir Putin has suggested that Ukraine should be temporarily placed under United Nations control in another attempt to question the legitimacy of the government in Kyiv. Russia's president has questioned the validity of Ukraine’s government before and since he launched his illegal invasion just over three years ago, seemingly in a bid to undermine Volodymyr Zelensky’s authority.

Ukraine has dismissed the suggestion as "crazy", labelling it an attempt to prolong ceasefire negotiations being overseen by the United States. The White House has insisted that decisions over Ukraine’s future leadership are for the Ukrainian people to decide. But last month, President Donald Trump was widely criticised after labelling Zelensky a "dictator" as a result of Ukraine’s postponed elections.

Trump eventually rowed back on his claims, responding to journalists: "Did I say that? I can’t believe I would say that."

The United States is in the process of trying to negotiate a partial ceasefire between the two sides and announced earlier this week that it had brokered an agreement to end hostilities in the Black Sea.

Russia has since put forward a series of demands, including reintroduction to the global banking network, prompting accusations that it is unwilling to halt the fighting.

Speaking earlier this week as he visited troops, Putin claimed that bringing Ukraine under the auspices of the UN would allow the country to elect a "competent" government.

He said plans could be discussed "with the United States, with European countries, and of course with our partners and friends."

"This would be in order to hold democratic elections, to bring to power a capable government trusted by the people and then to begin with it talks on a peace agreement and sign legitimate documents."

Putin has long accused the Ukrainian government of being illegitimate due to elections being paused, in line with the country’s constitution, following the outbreak of war.

The Russian leader himself has long been criticised for preventing free and fair elections in his own country, winning his eight-election last year with 88% of the vote.

Critics have accused the regime of barring threats from standing by threatening imprisonment or intimidation.

Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak dismissed Putin’s remarks as an attempt to prolong the war and hinder efforts to secure peace.