Russia has renewed its proposal for a one-day ceasefire for elections in Ukraine, while suggesting UN governance over the country to facilitate electoral processes.
In a recent interview, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin revealed that Russia is willing to suspend military strikes in Ukraine for a single day to allow for elections. This statement aligns with President Vladimir Putin's proposal to pause hostilities during the election. However, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky responded at the Munich Security Conference, indicating that for Ukraine to hold elections, a minimum two-month ceasefire would be necessary, highlighting the ongoing conflict's impact on democratic processes.
Zelensky further suggested that Ukraine could consider a ceasefire proposal if Russia were to conduct its own elections. Galuzin's comments, which included accusations against Kyiv for not conducting elections, reflect Russia's narrative that questions Zelensky's legitimacy and the integrity of Ukraine's electoral processes. Notably, Ukrainian law currently prohibits national voting during martial law, a situation enforced since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Additionally, Galuzin's proposals ventured beyond ceasefire discussions, advocating for "temporary external governance" under the UN. This call for governance intervention by an international body implies a significant shift in how Russia views Ukraine's political sovereignty, suggesting that elections could only be held under an external administration, further complicating the already strained relations between the two nations.
