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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to US President Donald Trump's suggestion that he be replaced, stating that it is ultimately up to the Ukrainian people to choose their leader. Zelensky made these remarks during a televised interview with ABC News on Sunday, in response to Trump's call for his replacement following Russia's strikes on Ukrainian oil refineries, which have contributed to higher diesel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.

Zelensky proposed that if the US were serious about holding elections in Ukraine, the first since Russia's 2022 invasion, they should first grant Russia a 60-day ceasefire. He emphasized that the main goal is to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin and end the war, and that Ukraine continues to rely on US support.

The Ukrainian president reiterated Ukraine's willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, including for energy infrastructure, if Russia would agree. However, he noted that Russia's heavy attacks this week demonstrated that Russia is not feeling the pressure to end the conflict. Zelensky expressed his hope that the current dispute with Trump would not harm the unity among Ukraine's allies, both in Europe and the US.

He acknowledged that the situation is not simple, but stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the face of ongoing challenges.