Zelensky Offers to Hold Ukraine Elections After 60-Day Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine could organise elections if Russia agrees to a complete 60-day ceasefire, responding to US President Donald Trump’s demand for new leadership in Kyiv.

Zelensky made the proposal during a televised interview with ABC News on Sunday. He stressed that choosing Ukraine’s leader was a decision for the country’s citizens, following Trump’s remarks that Ukraine needed a new president willing to agree to end 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 said.

He added that he had communicated his position to Trump’s team, linking any election process to a halt in hostilities. Zelensky said Ukraine would organise elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a complete ceasefire lasting two months.

“Please tell Putin to give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” he said.

Trump had criticised Zelensky on Saturday over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, which the report said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of elections. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had previously told Zelensky to act against Russia but not to target refineries. He also argued that Ukraine needed a new president who would agree to end the conflict.

The dispute has drawn support for Zelensky from British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who reportedly expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian leader during a telephone call on Saturday. According to a statement from Burnham’s office, the British leader acknowledged the difficult period Ukraine had faced and reaffirmed his support.

The statement also said the leaders discussed maintaining pressure on Russia. Burnham indicated that the UK would continue strengthening sanctions and taking further steps to restrict Russia’s war effort. The two leaders also agreed to meet in person in the coming days, according to the readout.