Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed creating a system of temporary governance for Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations to organize democratic elections and form a legitimate government. He made this statement in a recent speech, stressing that such a move would allow the establishment of a government in Kyiv capable of negotiating a peaceful settlement. According to him, Russia is ready to discuss the initiative with the United States, European countries, and its allies in order to find a way out of the current crisis.

Putin noted that the current Ukrainian authorities, in Moscow’s opinion, do not have sufficient legitimacy to conclude long-term agreements.

“We don’t understand who to sign the documents with, because tomorrow new leaders may appear there,” “he explained, pointing to the absence of presidential elections in the country after the introduction of martial law.

The head of state believes that temporary management under international control could ensure transparent elections, which would result in a government that enjoys the trust of the population coming to power. Only after that, in his opinion, would it be possible to move on to full-fledged negotiations on a peace treaty that would guarantee stability in the region.

Putin’s proposal comes amid the ongoing conflict and the lack of progress in diplomatic contacts between Moscow and Kiev. The president stressed that the participation of the UN, as well as major Western players and Russia’s partners, could give the process international legitimacy and facilitate de-escalation. However, he did not specify what specific mechanisms or timeframes are envisaged for implementing this idea, leaving room for further consultations.

However, the initiative is unlikely to find support in the UN. According to Reuters, the organization considers the current president of Ukraine to be the legitimate leader, citing martial law introduced in the country, which, according to Ukrainian law, allows the head of state to extend his powers in wartime. The official position of the UN, voiced in early 2025, emphasizes that any changes in the country's governance must comply with its Constitution and international law, which makes the proposal controversial from the point of view of most members of the organization.