'Up to our people to choose leader': Zelensky pushes back after Trump says Ukraine needs new president

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that only Ukrainians hold the authority to elect their leader, in response to Donald Trump's appeal for a leadership change in Kyiv. Speaking on ABC, the Ukrainian president reiterated that the populace has the sovereign right to select their officials. Zelensky advocated for a 60-day cease-fire with Russia, signaling that such a pause could facilitate the election process.

He also dismissed allegations that Ukraine bears responsibility for the surge in fuel prices, attributing the global increase to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Prior to this, Zelensky announced Ukraine's willingness to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, contingent upon Moscow ceasing its assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The German Foreign Minister, Joachim Faedivol, expressed Germany's steadfast support for Zelensky, even after Trump's call for Zelensky's removal. Faedivol stressed the urgency of intensifying pressure on Russia to resume peace negotiations during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Meanwhile, Germany, the leading European contributor to Ukraine, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sanctions against Russia, despite Trump's proposal to temporarily suspend US sanctions on Russian fuel. Faedivol, who had previously met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in New York, emphasized the importance of consistency and clarity in supporting Ukraine and urging Moscow to engage in dialogue.

Downing Street spokesperson disclosed that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak assured Zelensky that London would persist in imposing stringent sanctions on Russia.