Russia has declared its readiness to suspend missile strikes on Ukraine during the presidential election period, but has put forward cynical demands in exchange. Moscow seeks a change of government and the introduction of so-called "external management."
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin made these statements in an interview with the state propaganda agency TASS. According to the Russian official, the Kremlin is prepared to discuss the introduction of "temporary external management" in Kyiv under the auspices of the UN with the United States and European nations.
"This step would allow for democratic elections to be held in Ukraine and bring a capable government to power with which a full-fledged peace treaty could be signed," the representative of the aggressor state claimed.
The scheme proposed by Moscow follows a specific sequence: "external management" is established first, followed by the organization of elections. Furthermore, Russia promises to cease shelling only on the actual day of voting.
Galuzin's statement implies that military operations will continue throughout the election campaign and immediately following the vote. It is worth noting that dictator Vladimir Putin proposed a similar UN-involved scenario in March 2025. However, the idea failed to gain support from U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Ukraine is a constitutional democracy. Governance in Ukraine is determined by its Constitution and the Ukrainian people," State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at the time in response to the Kremlin's overtures.