The Russian president has reiterated that the current authorities in Kiev are illegitimate given the lack of elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested discussing the establishment of a temporary government in Ukraine, under the guidance of the UN and several countries. The aim would be to hold fair elections in the country, since Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term officially expired in May 2024. 

Moscow sees no clear way to sign any agreements with Kiev since “other leaders might come tomorrow,” Putin explained on Thursday night while addressing the sailors of the Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine.

“In such cases, international practice follows a well-known path within the framework of the United Nations peacekeeping activities; several instances have already demonstrated what is referred to as external management or temporary administration,” he suggested.

External powers should facilitate elections in Ukraine to “establish a capable government that has the trust of the people”, Putin stressed. After that, the new authorities could begin negotiations with Moscow and sign a peace agreement “that would be recognized around the world and will be reliable and stable.”

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However, Putin also stressed that temporary governance is only one possible option. “In general, we support resolving conflicts peacefully, including this one, but not at our expense,” he concluded.

The US recently brokered a limited ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, placing a moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure. Zelensky has publicly supported the 30-day partial ceasefire, which is supposed to involve a reciprocal suspension of attacks by Kiev’s forces.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, has reported multiple Ukrainian violations of the agreement, which it described as aimed at undermining US President Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kiev.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Moscow will honor its obligations despite Ukrainian actions, since the agreement represents positive diplomatic engagement with the Trump administration.

Earlier this week, US officials met separately with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia. Following the talks, Moscow said it was willing to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an arrangement that was originally mediated by the UN and Türkiye and expired in 2023.