Putin Proposes North Korea and BRICS Nations in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that North Korea, along with BRICS nations, should play a role in negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He also proposed placing Ukraine under a “temporary administration” as part of a broader peace process, according to Russian state media.

Putin’s Ceasefire Proposal

During a speech to servicemen in Murmansk, Putin outlined several provisions for ending the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As reported by Russia’s state news agency TASS, one of his key proposals involved holding new elections in Ukraine under international supervision.

“In principle, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries, and our partners,” Putin stated. He emphasized that this transitional authority would facilitate democratic elections and establish a government that has public trust, paving the way for peace negotiations.

Involving North Korea and BRICS in Peace Talks

Putin argued that the peace process should include more than just the United States and Russia, advocating for the participation of China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and North Korea.

“This is not only about the United States but also the People’s Republic of China, India, Brazil, South Africa—all BRICS countries,” he said. “And many others, for example, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

North Korea’s role in the conflict has grown significantly. According to South Korea’s military, Pyongyang has dispatched over 3,000 additional troops to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, adding to the 11,000 previously deployed. Reports indicate that these forces have suffered heavy casualties in combat against Ukrainian troops.

Russia’s Stance on European Cooperation

While advocating for broader international involvement, Putin also expressed skepticism about working with European nations, accusing them of inconsistency and deception.

“Europe is acting inconsistently, constantly trying to fool us,” he said. “But it’s OK, we have gotten used to it already. I hope we will make no mistakes based on excessive trust in our so-called partners.”

However, he praised former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that Trump “sincerely wishes for the end of this conflict.”

Ongoing Peace Talks and Military Escalations

Putin’s remarks came shortly after negotiations took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving officials from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. The discussions aimed at reaching a temporary ceasefire, including an agreement to halt military strikes on vessels in the Black Sea.

Despite this, tensions remain high. Following the agreement, Ukraine accused Russia of launching overnight drone attacks on Mykolaiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating it was a “clear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace.”

In response, Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out drone strikes on a gas storage facility and a power installation in Russian-controlled territory, in violation of the agreement not to target energy infrastructure.

Global Reactions and Future Implications

As the war continues into its third year, the inclusion of North Korea and BRICS nations in the peace process could reshape diplomatic efforts. While Russia seeks to expand negotiations beyond Western powers, skepticism remains about whether Moscow is genuinely committed to ending the conflict. The ongoing military actions suggest that achieving a lasting ceasefire remains a distant goal.