Russia has brought back into focus the proposal for the imposition of a temporary “external administration” in Ukraine.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin recalled that this idea was initially formulated by Vladimir Putin in March 2025 and remains one of Moscow’s key options for resolving the crisis.
According to Galuzin, Russia is willing to discuss with the United States, Europe, and other countries the possibility of introducing a transitional administration in Kyiv under United Nations oversight.
The Russian official argued that such a step would ensure the conduct of democratic elections in Ukraine, which would lead to the emergence of a “capable government,” ready to sign a comprehensive peace treaty and legal documents governing the future cooperation between the two states.
Despite Galuzin’s statements that an agreement could be achieved directly or through intermediaries, the proposal faces strong resistance from Kyiv as well as skepticism from Washington.
As early as March 2025, the White House had rejected similar suggestions, emphasizing that the governance of Ukraine is determined exclusively by its Constitution and its people.
Donald Trump, who previously criticized the concept of external administration, appears to remain cautious, while Ukrainian officials describe the proposal as an attempt to undermine their country’s national sovereignty.
Moscow’s proposed formula includes the following stages
1) Transfer of governance to an international body under United Nations auspices.
2) Organization of an electoral process under the new framework.
3) Temporary suspension of strikes.
Russia accepts a suspension of strikes during elections in Ukraine
Russia declares itself ready to halt attacks on Ukraine only on the day of the elections, provided they are officially announced, while clarifying that hostilities would not cease during the pre election period, Galuzin announced.
However, he pointed out that for the time being the issue of the practical organization of elections in Ukraine is not under discussion.
The diplomat confirmed that the position of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, remains valid: the head of state had declared his readiness to consider suspending strikes deep inside Ukraine on the day of voting, on the condition that it takes place.
For his part, the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, during the Munich Security Conference, stated that he is ready to hold presidential elections in Ukraine only on the condition of a two month ceasefire.
This statement was made in the context of United States demands for accelerating a peace agreement and discussions regarding possible concessions.
Under what conditions Ukraine sat at the negotiating table
Trilateral negotiations involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are being conducted under a closed framework and without any leaks, Galuzin told the TASS news agency.
According to the diplomat, the resumption of dialogue was a direct result of pressure exerted by Washington and Kyiv’s military setbacks. By mutual decision of the parties, meetings of the security working group are being held under conditions of absolute secrecy.
“The participants agreed to work under a regime of silence, avoiding leaks. Therefore, I will refrain from any comment regarding the progress and content of the discussions conducted on this platform,” Galuzin explained.
The diplomat refused to disclose details of meetings already held, citing confidentiality agreements.
At these stages, the Russian delegation was led by the head of the GRU of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Igor Kostyukov.
The next stage of consultations is scheduled for 17–18 February in Geneva.
At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Kyiv has not yet responded to Russia’s proposal for the creation of a bilateral monitoring and control center for the ceasefire regime.
Galuzin stated that the Ukrainian side left Moscow’s initiatives “without any clear reaction.”
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