Moscow takes up the idea of an international administration in Ukraine, under the auspices of the UN
Moscow has brought up the idea of a transitional international administration for Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, even before the resumption of talks on ending the war.
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Russia is ready to discuss such a foreign administration with the United States, Europe and other countries, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told Russian state news agency TASS on Sunday in Moscow.
“Such a step would allow for democratic elections in Ukraine, the establishment of a capable government with which a full peace treaty could be signed, along with legitimate documents on future interstate cooperation.”Galuzin said.
The deputy foreign minister stated that President Vladimir Putin made such a proposal as early as March 2025.
His proposal has already been rejected by Washington and received a similar response from the UN. The secretary general of the organization, Antonio Guterres, declared that “Ukraine has a legitimate government that must be respected”while a spokesman for the White House National Security Council rejected the proposal, pointing out that “the government of Ukraine is decided by its Constitution and its people”.
Russia presents Zelensky as illegitimate
Galuzin's statements are part of Moscow's attempts to present Ukraine as a non-functional state and the leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky as illegitimate, dpa notes.
Transitional international administrations, under the auspices of the UN or other forces, have existed after the end of wars or conflicts in places like East Timor, Cambodia, Iraq or Kosovo. However, in Ukraine, all state institutions are functional.
Zelenski emphasized at the Munich Security Conference how difficult it would be to hold elections as long as the frontline soldiers and the population in the affected areas are under siege. He explained that at least two months of ceasefire would be needed before elections could take place.
Russia has been waging an all-out war against Ukraine for nearly four years. The next round of talks to end the war, brokered by the US, is scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday in Geneva.
