Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is prepared to hold elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a complete 60-day ceasefire, amid renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Speaking in an interview with ABC News on Sunday, Zelensky called on Trump to urge Moscow to suspend military operations for two months, saying Ukraine would organize elections during that period.
“Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, and we will organize elections,” Zelensky said.
His statement followed Trump’s remarks on Saturday that Ukraine needed a new president. Trump criticized Kyiv for launching attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that such strikes could affect fuel supplies and prices.
Zelensky rejected suggestions that Washington should determine Ukraine’s leadership, emphasizing that Ukrainian citizens must decide who governs their country. He also suggested that Putin wanted a change in Ukraine’s leadership.
The Ukrainian president acknowledged that organizing elections during wartime would present significant challenges, particularly because of security concerns and restrictions associated with martial law.
Meanwhile, Zelensky said Ukraine was willing to stop attacking Russian oil refineries if Moscow halted strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
He urged Washington to encourage both sides to take reciprocal steps toward de-escalation.
The proposal comes as diplomatic tensions continue over efforts to end the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, Moscow has yet to accept the proposed 60-day ceasefire.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine remained willing to pursue measures that could reduce hostilities and create conditions for elections.
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