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Moscow is signaling a willingness to discuss placing Ukraine under “international trusteeship” with the United States, Europe, and other nations, a proposal presented by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin on Sunday. According to Galuzin, as reported by Russia’s state news agency TASS, such a move would facilitate “democratic elections” in Ukraine, ultimately leading to the installation of a government prepared to sign a comprehensive peace agreement – a formulation widely interpreted as demanding Ukraine’s surrender and acceptance of Russian demands.

The proposal, echoing similar suggestions made by President Vladimir Putin in March 2025, rests on assertions that the current Ukrainian administration under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is illegitimate and that Ukraine is a dysfunctional state. This latest statement from Galuzin underscores a pattern of Russia presenting conditions for negotiation while simultaneously continuing military operations, raising concerns that diplomatic overtures are merely a facade for prolonging the conflict.

The call for international administration comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, with no immediate end in sight. The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, and has triggered a major geopolitical crisis. The ongoing fighting has focused heavily in eastern and southern Ukraine, with Russia seeking to consolidate control over occupied territories. The concept of “international trusteeship” is a complex one, with precedents in post-conflict situations, but its application to a country actively engaged in defending its sovereignty is highly contentious.

Galuzin’s remarks were made amidst ongoing international efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Yet, Ukraine has consistently maintained that any negotiations must be predicated on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, a condition Russia has so far rejected. The core issue remains Russia’s territorial ambitions and its desire to prevent Ukraine from aligning further with Western institutions.

Putin’s Previous Proposal and Underlying Claims

President Putin initially floated the idea of international administration in March 2025, framing it as a potential pathway to stability. However, the proposal was immediately met with skepticism from Kyiv and Western allies, who viewed it as a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize Russian control over occupied Ukrainian lands and to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Russian government has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s government, alleging that he came to power through an unconstitutional coup in 2014. These claims are widely disputed by Ukraine and its international partners.

The assertion that Ukraine is a “dysfunctional state” is central to Russia’s justification for its military intervention. Moscow argues that Ukraine is unable to protect the rights of its Russian-speaking population and that its government is controlled by extremist elements. These claims have been consistently refuted by Ukraine and international observers, who point to evidence of Russian interference in Ukrainian affairs and the deliberate targeting of civilians.

International Response and Geopolitical Context

The international community remains largely united in its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The United States and European Union have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia in response to its aggression, and have provided Ukraine with significant military and economic assistance. However, there are differing views on the best way to achieve a lasting peace. Some countries advocate for a more assertive approach, including increased military aid to Ukraine, while others prioritize diplomatic engagement with Russia.

The proposal for international administration also raises questions about the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in overseeing the process. Any such arrangement would require the consent of Ukraine, which has so far shown no willingness to accept external control over its territory. The potential involvement of countries like Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the conflict, could also be a factor. In May 2025, a Russian delegation, including Galuzin, traveled to Turkey for talks with Ukrainian officials, though President Putin did not attend as reported by Latvian Radio.

The broader geopolitical context is one of heightened tensions between Russia and the West. The conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated existing divisions and has led to a significant deterioration in relations. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe in response to the Russian threat, and several countries have increased their defense spending. The situation remains volatile and unpredictable, with the potential for further escalation.

What to Watch Next

The immediate future will likely see continued fighting in Ukraine, with Russia attempting to consolidate its gains in the east and south. The outcome of the conflict will depend on a number of factors, including the level of Western support for Ukraine, the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia, and the willingness of both sides to engage in meaningful negotiations. The proposal for international administration appears, at this stage, to be a rhetorical maneuver designed to shift blame and to create the impression that Russia is open to a peaceful resolution, while simultaneously pursuing its military objectives. Further diplomatic initiatives are expected, but a breakthrough remains unlikely in the near term.

What are your thoughts on Russia’s proposal? Share your comments below and let us know what you think the next steps should be.