Peace agreement plan must be ratified by referendum – Zelensky

The 20-point framework document, which outlines the terms for ending the war between Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and Europe, must be ratified through a referendum.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a press briefing, according to a correspondent for Ukrinform.

“The 20-point plan, we believe, should be confirmed through a referendum. This is the strongest historical endorsement of the document’s authority. We would very much like to do this. Naturally, not everyone reacts positively… but this ensures an open expression of the will, not of one person, not of 450 people, but of millions,” Zelensky said.

He noted that Russia’s attitude toward a referendum in Ukraine is “not positive.”

“A referendum requires security, a security infrastructure. This means a ceasefire is necessary. And the Russians do not want to grant a ceasefire long enough for the referendum. For us, this would take 60 days,” Zelensky added.

At the same time, he emphasized that security guarantees must carry legally binding authority, rather than relying solely on a signature.

“The strength of these agreements, the recognition of these agreements. Ukraine had the Budapest Memorandum, signed by individuals. It did not work. Then there were the Minsk agreements, which led to full-scale war. All these documents failed. We have now agreed with the Americans that we will have security guarantees supported by the U.S. Congress, which is of great importance, and by the Ukrainian Parliament. These security guarantees will be voted on bilaterally,” Zelensky said.

He also stated that the European Parliament will confirm agreements under the Coalition of the Willing.

Read also: Zelensky announces when meeting with Russians to be held

Earlier, Zelensky noted that holding elections or a referendum in Ukraine is only possible if international partners provide security guarantees.

Zelensky also reported that before he met with him, U.S. President Donald Trump had gone through all 20 points of the draft framework document with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The President of Ukraine further disclosed details of the 20-point draft framework document between Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and Europe on ending the war.

Photo: Office of the President