Zelensky intends to propose putting peace plan to referendum at meeting with Trump
President Volodymyr Zelensky will propose to U.S. President Donald Trump that the entire peace plan be put to a referendum if Russian leader Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.
As reported by Ukrinform, Zelensky said this in an interview with Axios.
It is noted that holding a referendum involves political, logistical, and security risks, and that 60 days would be the minimum required to prepare for it.
The report also says that the United States is proposing a 15-year duration for the agreement, which Zelensky considers insufficient.
“I think we need more than 15 years,” he said, adding that he would consider it a “big success” if Trump agreed with that during their meeting.
Zelensky said he hopes to reach an agreement with the U.S. President on a framework for ending the war. At the same time, he noted that if the sides are unable to arrive at a strong position on territorial issues, he would need the consent of the Ukrainian people.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that holding a referendum would entail serious political, logistical, and security risks. That is why, in his view, a 60-day ceasefire is the minimum period necessary to prepare for and hold such a vote.
Speaking about security guarantees, the president said Ukraine has agreed on the main parts of the documents, but “technical issues” remain, including the duration of the agreement.
Zelensky also said he continues to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum.
The Ukrainian President also pointed to the issue of elections, noting that if people are unable to come to polling stations for security reasons, the result could be 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.
He compared a possible vote to the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom, stressing that in Ukraine it would take place under wartime conditions and within a very limited timeframe.
A senior U.S. official told Axios that the Russian side understands the need for a ceasefire if a referendum is announced, but is pushing for a shorter ceasefire period.
As reported by Ukrinform, on December 25, Zelensky held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine