Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for new leadership in Kyiv, insisting that the decision rests with the Ukrainian people. However, Zelensky said Ukraine could organize national elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day comprehensive ceasefire.
The exchange comes amid escalating tensions following Trump’s decision to waive sanctions on significant quantities of Russian diesel in a bid to ease domestic fuel prices ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Trump also criticized Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes were contributing to global energy pressures. He subsequently suggested that Kyiv should install a new leader capable of negotiating an end to the war.
“First of all, with all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader,” Zelensky told ABC News during a televised interview on Sunday.
Addressing concerns about holding democratic elections during wartime, Zelensky said he had informed U.S. officials of the conditions under which Ukraine could conduct its first national elections since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” Zelensky said.
Washington’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian energy exports has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials, European allies, and several members of the U.S. Republican Party.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, Zelensky stressed the importance of continued Western support in countering Russian aggression and maintaining unity among Ukraine’s allies.
“To stop Putin — and I think this is the main goal, to stop him, this is the main deal, to stop this war … we count on American support,” Zelensky said.
He also underscored the importance of cooperation between Washington and European capitals, expressing hope that both sides would remain united in their support for Ukraine.
“Then, and of course, we count on our European partners, and I hope that we will save this unity, Europe and the United States,” he added.
Reiterating Kyiv’s willingness to pursue de-escalation, Zelensky said Ukraine remained prepared to implement a limited ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, provided Moscow agreed to reciprocal measures.
However, he warned that Russia’s continued aerial bombardments showed that Moscow was not yet facing sufficient pressure to bring the conflict to an end.
“This week was very difficult for us, not only geopolitically. First of all, because of massive attacks, Russian attacks on our civilian infrastructure,” Zelensky added.
His remarks highlight the continuing challenges facing diplomatic efforts to end the war, as Ukraine seeks to maintain Western support while pressing Russia to halt its attacks.
For Kyiv, any meaningful progress toward peace will depend not only on negotiations but also on reciprocal commitments from Moscow and continued unity among its international partners.
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