‘Up to our people’ to pick leader, Zelensky responds to Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he be replaced, but proposed holding elections in Ukraine if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Tensions escalated after Trump announced waiving sanctions on Russian diesel on Friday, hoping to lower fuel prices ahead of the November US midterm elections. Trump attacked Zelensky over Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries, claiming they led to high diesel prices and called for a different leader to end the war.

Zelensky emphasized that it is his society and people who should decide their leader, responding to Trump's request. He proposed a 60-day ceasefire, urging Trump's team to tell Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow it. Zelensky stressed the importance of continued US support and hoped the dispute wouldn't harm the unity among Ukraine's allies.

He reiterated Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire, including energy infrastructure, if Russia agreed, but noted that Russia's recent heavy attacks demonstrated a lack of pressure to end the war.