Zelensky comments on possibility of holding elections in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine in an interview with ABC News. Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that Ukraine needs a new president, Zelensky emphasized that it is ultimately the Ukrainian people who should choose their leader. He stressed that the issue is not just about the security of the elections, which would be "absolutely not secure" and contrary to Ukrainian law and the Constitution, but also about establishing secure infrastructure to enable people to vote.

Zelensky had conversations with Trump's team regarding the idea of holding elections. He proposed that if Trump truly wants to bring about changes during the elections, he should propose a two-month ceasefire, or 60 days, to enable Ukraine to organize the vote. Zelensky expressed readiness to adhere to any choice made by the Ukrainian people. He noted that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha affirmed the president's support and reiterated that only the people have the right to decide this matter.

President Trump recently agreed to a deal with Russia on diesel fuel following Zelensky's refusal to unilaterally halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. A ceasefire on diesel fuel came into effect in Ukraine on Sunday, with Trump urging both sides to respect it.