Zelenskyy sets condition for referendum on Trump's peace plan
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine is ready to hold a referendum on the US peace plan, but only if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview for Axios.
The President noted that holding a referendum involves serious political, logistical, and security challenges. That's why, Zelenskyy said, a 60-day ceasefire to prepare and conduct the vote "is the minimum."
He also added that it’s still unclear whether Russia is even willing to accept Trump's plan.
"I have some intelligence... but I'm at the moment when I want to believe only to the words of leaders," he said.
Zelenskyy compared such a vote to the Brexit referendum in the UK, with active campaigning on both sides over a very complex issue, but in a much shorter time frame and in a country at war.
He confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are ready to visit Ukraine to explain the benefits of the deal. Zelenskyy also said that President Trump himself might need to come to present the arguments.
However, the Ukrainian President warned that if the campaign happens while Russia continues its attacks, it will end badly. Despite all the talk about security guarantees and economic benefits, "the people will see the missiles."
He emphasized that if people cannot vote for safety reasons, the results could appear illegitimate.
"It's better to not have a referendum than have a referendum where people do not have the possibility to come and vote," he said.
An unnamed US official told Axios that Russia understands the need for a ceasefire if a referendum is held, but they want a shorter timeframe.
Referendum on the peace plan
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that if it comes to a referendum, Ukraine should vote not only on territorial issues but on the entire US peace plan.
He noted that the idea of a referendum was proposed by the US. According to Zelenskyy, the key issue is security. He said Ukraine's partners have enough power to either compel or negotiate with Russia to ensure security during the presidential election or referendum.
The US wants Ukraine to hand over full control of the Donetsk region to Russia. Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized that he will not give away any territory to anyone.
