Zelensky: Ukraine will hold elections if Putin agrees to 60-day ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that his country will hold elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, according to an interview with ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainians themselves will determine the timing of the vote and the candidates they wish to elect.

He also suggested that U.S. President Trump, who previously proposed the idea of a new Ukrainian leader capable of reaching a deal, should advocate for a ceasefire lasting 60 days to facilitate the elections. Trump had previously suggested to reporters that Ukraine should have a new president who could "make a deal," as he believed Putin had missed opportunities for negotiations in the past.

Trump also criticized Zelensky for striking Russian oil refineries, stating that while the U.S. had advised Zelensky he could target Russia with strikes, it was not advisable to hit oil refineries as it would be a "world problem." Zelensky later stated that Kyiv would cease attacks on Russian oil refineries if Moscow halted its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

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