{
  "id": 13858908,
  "title": "‘Up to our people’ to choose leader: Zelensky says Ukraine can hold elections if Russia agrees to 60-day ceasefire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/up-to-our-people-to-choose-leader-zelensky-says-ukraine-can-hold",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T02:52:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/10/12/up-to-our-people-to-choose-leader-zelensky-says-ukraine-can-hold-elections-if-russia-agrees-to-60-day-ceasefire/238763"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended his country's ability to hold elections, despite US President Donald Trump's call for him to be replaced. Zelensky made the remarks during an interview with ABC News, stating that it is ultimately up to Ukraine's society to decide their leader. He spoke with Trump's team about the possibility of holding elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, but the offer was not taken up. Tensions between the two leaders escalated after Trump waived sanctions on Russian diesel fuel ahead of the US midterm elections, which he claimed was contributing to higher prices. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire, including just on energy infrastructure, but noted that Russia has not shown a willingness to end the conflict. The recent heavy attacks by Russia on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure have left Zelensky feeling that they are not feeling \"real pressure\" to stop the war.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON, Oct 12 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday pushed back against US counterpart Donald Tr...",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukrainian President Zelensky defends country's election capability",
    "Zelensky discusses 60-day ceasefire with Trump's team",
    "Russia shows no willingness to end conflict"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Trump's 'energy ceasefire' sparks confusion as Russia strikes Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/trumps-energy-ceasefire-sparks-confusion-as-russia-strikes-ukraine",
        "published": "2026-10-12T01:02:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "CNBC",
        "title": "Oil falls after Trump declares 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/oil-falls-after-trump-declares-energy-ceasefire-between-russia-and",
        "published": "2026-10-12T02:27:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}