Trump peace proposal for Ukraine envisions quick election and referendum – media
The U.S. side is insisting on an accelerated timeline for reaching peace agreements between Ukraine and Russia and is also considering the possibility of organizing a nationwide referendum in Ukraine within the coming months.
Ukrinform reports this, citing Reuters.
U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed the possibility of concluding a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine as early as March, although, according to three sources familiar with the talks, this deadline is likely to be postponed due to a lack of agreement on the key issue of territory.
Under the framework terms being discussed by U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators, any deal would be submitted to a referendum by Ukrainian voters, who would simultaneously vote in national elections, five sources who requested anonymity said.
The U.S. negotiating team, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, told their Ukrainian counterparts during recent meetings in Abu Dhabi and Miami that it would be best if such a vote took place as soon as possible.
U.S. negotiators have said President Trump is likely to focus more on domestic affairs as the November midterm congressional elections approach, meaning that senior U.S. officials will have less time and political capital to finalize a peace deal, two sources said.
Sources also said that U.S. and Ukrainian officials had discussed the possibility of holding national elections and a referendum in Ukraine in May. At the same time, other sources described the U.S.-proposed timeline as unrealistic.
Ukrainian election officials estimate that under current conditions it would take about six months to organize an election. “The Americans are in a hurry,” said a source familiar with the matter, adding that while voting could be organized in less than six months, it would still require a significant amount of time.
It is also noted that Ukraine wants a ceasefire to remain in place throughout the entire election campaign and stresses that the Kremlin has a long history of repeatedly violating its commitments.
"Kyiv's position is that nothing can be agreed until the security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States and partners are in place," the publication adds.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, seven subgroups have been established in the Verkhovna Rada to develop legislation on holding elections during a special legal regime.
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