Putin's Proposal for Ukraine: External Governance and the Quest for Peace

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a bold proposal to put Ukraine under external governance supervised by the United Nations.

This suggestion, aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, reflects Putin's unwavering commitment to achieving his military objectives in Ukraine.

The proposal comes at a critical juncture in the Russo-Ukrainian War, which has been raging for over a decade, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and straining international relations.

Background of the Conflict

The Origins of the Russo-Ukrainian War

The roots of the current conflict can be traced back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.

This marked a significant deterioration in Russia-Ukraine relations, which had already been strained following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution.

The annexation of Crimea and the subsequent war in Donbas resulted in over 13,000 deaths by early 2020 and led to international sanctions against Russia6.

Escalation to Full-Scale Invasion

Throughout 2021 and 2022, tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated due to a Russian military buildup along the Ukrainian border.

This buildup ultimately culminated in Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The invasion prompted Ukraine to sever diplomatic ties with Russia and led to widespread international condemnation.

Putin's Proposal for External Governance

The Proposal

In his televised address to the crew of a Russian nuclear submarine, Putin suggested implementing external governance for Ukraine under United Nations supervision

This proposal is presented as part of a strategy to achieve a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Putin argued that such an arrangement would facilitate "democratic elections, enabling the establishment of a legitimate government that has the people's trust, followed by negotiations on a peace treaty"

Precedents and Justification

Putin cited international precedents to support his proposal, mentioning similar UN-sponsored external governance arrangements in East Timor, New Guinea, and parts of former Yugoslavia

By referencing these historical examples, Putin attempts to legitimize his suggestion and present it as a viable solution to the complex situation in Ukraine.

The Question of Legitimacy

A key aspect of Putin's proposal revolves around the issue of legitimacy in the Ukrainian government. Putin has consistently questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term officially expired in 202434. The Russian leader argues that any agreement reached with the current Ukrainian administration could be contested by future leaders, thus necessitating new elections under external oversight1.

Implications of Putin's Proposal

Challenges to Ukrainian Sovereignty

Putin's proposal for external governance raises significant concerns about Ukrainian sovereignty. While presented as a path to peace, the suggestion of UN-supervised governance could be seen as an attempt to undermine Ukraine's independence and self-determination.

This proposal aligns with Russia's broader strategy of questioning Ukraine's legitimacy as an independent state, as evidenced by statements from Russian officials like Dmitry Medvedev, who has claimed that "Ukraine is NOT a country, but artificially collected territories"6.

International Reactions

The international community's response to Putin's proposal will be crucial in determining its viability.

Given the widespread condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine, including the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories, it is likely that many Western nations will view this proposal with skepticism.

The suggestion comes shortly after a summit led by French President Emmanuel Macron, which discussed the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine to solidify a future peace agreement

This timing suggests that Putin's proposal may be, in part, a response to growing Western involvement in the conflict.

Impact on Peace Negotiations

Putin's insistence on questioning Zelenskyy's legitimacy and proposing external governance could significantly complicate peace negotiations.

The Ukrainian government has maintained that conducting elections during wartime is unfeasible

Moreover, Ukraine's constitution and legal experts generally support the extension of Zelenskyy's term under martial law conditions.

The divergence between Russian and Ukrainian perspectives on governmental legitimacy presents a substantial obstacle to meaningful dialogue.

The Legitimacy Debate

Constitutional and Legal Perspectives

The question of Zelenskyy's legitimacy after the expiration of his official term is a matter of debate both within Ukraine and internationally.

While critics argue that the Ukrainian Constitution does not explicitly authorize the extension of presidential powers under martial law, constitutional lawyers generally agree that such an extension is legal and complies with the Constitution

This legal interpretation supports the continuity of Zelenskyy's presidency during the ongoing conflict.

Russia's Strategy

Russia's emphasis on Zelenskyy's alleged illegitimacy appears to be part of a broader strategy to destabilize Ukraine.

Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Vadym Skibitsky has identified this as a component of Russia's multi-faceted plan to undermine Ukraine's stability.

By questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine's leadership, Russia aims to weaken international support for Ukraine and create internal divisions within the country.

Western Stance

Sources within the Ukrainian President's Office suggest that Western allies are aware of Russia's attempts to undermine Zelenskyy's legitimacy and are not inclined to push for immediate elections in Ukraine

This stance indicates that the international community recognizes the exceptional circumstances of wartime governance and is willing to support Ukraine's current leadership structure in the interest of stability.

Historical Context of Russia-Ukraine Relations

Post-Soviet Tensions

The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine is rooted in a complex history of post-Soviet relations.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine emerged as an independent state, but Russia has consistently sought to maintain influence over its former Soviet neighbor.

The 2014 Ukrainian revolution, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, marked a significant turning point in this relationship6.

Annexation of Crimea and Donbas Conflict

Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for separatist movements in the Donbas region fundamentally altered the dynamics between the two countries.

These actions not only violated Ukraine's territorial integrity but also set the stage for the prolonged conflict that has now escalated into a full-scale war

The international community's response to these earlier aggressions, including sanctions on Russia, failed to deter further Russian military action against Ukraine.

Putin's Long-Term Strategy

Vision of "Novorossiya"

Putin's proposal for external governance in Ukraine should be viewed in the context of his broader geopolitical ambitions.

Since 2014, Putin has increasingly referred to the concept of "Novorossiya" (New Russia), a term that harks back to the Russian imperial territories that once encompassed much of southern Ukraine

This rhetoric suggests that Putin's ultimate goal may extend beyond merely influencing Ukraine's governance to potentially reincorporating parts of Ukraine into a greater Russian state.

Challenging the Post-Cold War Order

Putin's actions in Ukraine, from the annexation of Crimea to the current full-scale invasion, represent a direct challenge to the post-Cold War international order.

By questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine's government and proposing external governance, Putin is effectively challenging the sovereignty of post-Soviet states and testing the resolve of the international community to uphold established norms of territorial integrity and national self-determination.

The Role of NATO and Western Involvement

Ukraine's NATO Aspirations

Prior to the 2014 Russian intervention, Ukraine was officially a neutral country not seeking NATO membership.

However, Russia's actions in Crimea and Donbas prompted Ukraine to revoke its neutral status and pursue NATO membershi

This shift in Ukraine's foreign policy orientation has been a significant point of contention for Russia, which views NATO expansion as a threat to its security interests.

Western Support and Russian Perceptions

The West's response to Russian aggression in Ukraine has evolved since 2014. Initially perceived as weak by Russia, Western support for Ukraine has gradually increased, particularly following the 2022 invasion.

Putin's proposal for UN-supervised governance may be seen as an attempt to preempt further Western involvement in Ukraine, as exemplified by recent discussions about potential troop deployments led by France and Britain

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Civilian Casualties and Displacement

The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's civilian population. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022

The war has also led to massive displacement, both internally within Ukraine and externally as refugees flee to neighboring countries and beyond.

Cultural and Identity Issues

Putin's questioning of Ukrainian statehood and identity, echoed by other Russian officials like Dmitry Medvedev, who has claimed that Ukrainian is "NOT a language" but a "mongrel dialect" of Russia, underscores the cultural dimensions of this conflict.

These statements reflect a broader attempt to delegitimize Ukrainian national identity and justify Russian aggression under the guise of protecting Russian-speaking populations.

International Law and the Annexation Question

Illegal Annexations

Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent claims over Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts in 2022 have been widely condemned as violations of international law

These actions have not been recognized by the international community and have led to ongoing sanctions against Russia.

Implications for Peace Negotiations

Putin's insistence on recognition of Russian sovereignty over these annexed territories as a precondition for peace talks presents a significant obstacle to negotiations

This stance directly conflicts with Ukraine's territorial integrity and complicates any potential resolution to the conflict.

The Future of Ukraine-Russia Relations

Prospects for Normalization

In June 2022, Putin stated that relations between Russia and Ukraine would normalize upon completion of the "special military operation"

However, the continued escalation of the conflict and Russia's annexation of additional Ukrainian territories suggest that any normalization of relations remains a distant prospect.

Long-Term Conflict Scenario

Putin's December 2022 statement that the war against Ukraine could be a "long process" indicates that Russia is prepared for a protracted conflict

This outlook, combined with the proposal for external governance, suggests that Russia's strategy involves a long-term reshaping of Ukraine's political landscape rather than a quick military victory.

Conclusion

Vladimir Putin's proposal to put Ukraine under UN-supervised external governance represents a significant development in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. While presented as a path to peace, this suggestion raises complex questions about Ukrainian sovereignty, international law, and the future of East European geopolitics.

The proposal reflects Putin's determination to achieve his strategic objectives in Ukraine, even as the conflict enters its second decade.

The international community's response to this proposal will be crucial in shaping the future course of the conflict.

As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression and assert its independence, the world watches to see how this latest diplomatic maneuver will unfold in the context of a war that has already reshaped global politics and security dynamics.

The legitimacy debate surrounding President Zelenskyy's extended term, the humanitarian crisis caused by the war, and the broader implications for international norms and institutions all underscore the complexity of this conflict.

As the situation evolves, it remains clear that the resolution of the Russo-Ukrainian War will have far-reaching consequences not only for the two countries involved but for the entire global order.