The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to influence the political future of Ukraine, promoting the thesis of the “illegitimacy” of the current leadership in Kiev and using the election theme as a pressure tool. According to an analysis published by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Moscow is already signaling that it will not recognize the results of an election that does not lead to the formation of a government favorable to Russia.
In an interview granted to the state agency TASS on February 15, the deputy Russian Foreign Minister, Mikhail Galuzin, reiterated the accusations regarding the alleged “illegitimacy” of the Ukrainian president Volodimir Zelenski. He also stated that the initiative previously advanced by the Kremlin leader, Vladimir Putin, regarding the establishment of a temporary external administration under the auspices of the United Nations remains “valid”.
According to Galuzin, such a mechanism would allow the organization of “democratic” elections and the formation of a leadership with which Moscow could sign international agreements. Essentially, the ISW notes, the Kremlin suggests that it does not consider the current Ukrainian government a legitimate negotiation partner and questions, in advance, any election held without its influence.
Analysts emphasize that such statements represent a direct interference in Ukraine’s sovereignty. Similar proposals have already been rejected by the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, as well as by representatives of the US National Security Council, on the grounds that they violate the Constitution of Ukraine and the right of citizens to choose their leadership.
ISW warns that Russia is trying to create, in advance, pretexts for not recognizing the result of any potential elections. Moscow claims, for example, that Ukrainians located on the territory of the Russian Federation would be prevented from voting, while continuing the extensive process of forcibly granting Russian passports in the occupied territories.
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