MOSCOW, March 28. /TASS/. The United States must overcome the resistance from the current Ukrainian authorities for Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative to establish external UN governance in Ukraine - aimed at facilitating elections - to be effectively implemented, according to Vladimir Zharikhin, the deputy director of the CIS Countries Institute, in an interview with TASS.
"If realized, this initiative could indeed be effective; however, it's essential to quash the resistance from the current government in Kiev. Only the United States possesses the leverage to break this resistance. So far, it has failed even on minor issues, largely because the current Ukrainian authorities receive backing from European nations such as Britain and France," Zharikhin stated.
He further emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky, with European support, primarily aims to extend his own power and sustain ongoing hostilities. "The US leadership has yet to utilize the real tools at their disposal to exert pressure on the current Ukrainian government," Zharikhin added.
According to the analyst, certain domestic political factions in Ukraine may be open to supporting this initiative, but they lack significant influence. "There are forces at play - not just a sharp and principled opposition to the regime, which is largely in exile - but also internal political groups interested in regime change. Notable figures like Pyotr Poroshenko and Yulia Timoshenko may have an interest, but they are not in power; they are in opposition to the current authorities," Zharikhin explained.
He also noted that external UN governance may be the only viable option at this time for conducting elections in Ukraine. "There is certainly a need for this external governance because the current Ukrainian authorities are unwilling to hold elections. As demonstrated by the localized issues surrounding the resumption of the grain deal and the ceasefire regarding energy facilities, these authorities are becoming increasingly unmanageable. Despite the abstract discussions, they show little inclination to adhere to the terms of agreements. This truly appears to be the only way forward," Zharikhin continued.
"However, it is important to recognize that the current Ukrainian government is still in power and commands the country's infrastructure and military. Introducing external governance, even by the United Nations, against its will would be an immense challenge," Zharikhin concluded.