Ahead of the upcoming trilateral talks in Geneva involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia, the Kremlin has presented a controversial proposal to create an international transitional administration in Ukraine, purportedly to oversee democratic elections. This proposal was outlined by Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin to the state-controlled news agency TASS, suggesting that this arrangement would lead to a government in Kyiv capable of signing a comprehensive peace agreement. However, such a move is criticized as a means to legitimize Russia's demands and actions in the region, falling in line with narratives propagated by Putin that portray the current Ukrainian administration as illegitimate.

The Kremlin's stance reflects its ongoing attempts to reshape the perception of Ukrainian governance and justify its military operations in Ukraine. This discourse also aligns with earlier remarks made by Putin asserting that the Ukrainian government does not possess legitimate authority and suggesting that Ukraine is a failed state. The implications of this proposed international administration would likely further complicate the international community's response to the conflict, potentially providing Russia with a façade of legitimacy while undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.

As global powers gear up for discussions, this new proposal highlights the tension between Russia's military ambitions and the international community's efforts to restore peace in the region. Analysts warn that these negotiations may merely serve as a platform for Russia to reinforce its aggressive stance, rather than leading to any meaningful resolution of the ongoing conflict.