Russia has proposed establishing temporary external governance in Ukraine under UN auspices to facilitate democratic elections and a legitimate peace treaty, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated Sunday.
Galuzin noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin first floated the idea in March 2025 as a potential step toward peace. He emphasized that such governance would enable Ukraine to hold democratic elections, bring to power a capable government, and sign a binding peace agreement.
Galuzin added that Russia is prepared to discuss with the United States, European nations, and others the possibility of temporary external governance in Kyiv. While the UN lacks a standardized mechanism for such scenarios, historical precedents exist.
Moscow has condemned Ukrainian President Zelensky’s refusal to hold new elections following his term’s expiration in 2024—citing martial law—as an obstruction of peace efforts and a rendering of him “illegitimate.” Russia asserts that Zelensky’s legal status remains a major obstacle to concluding a binding peace deal.
Following U.S. pressure, Zelensky indicated openness to elections but demanded security guarantees from Western powers and Russia. However, in March 2025, the United States dismissed the proposal, stating governance in Ukraine is determined by its constitution and people.