Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced his readiness to organize national elections in Ukraine, provided that Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a total 60-day ceasefire. The proposal was delivered during an interview with ABC, where Zelenskyy stated, "Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections."
This development follows public criticism from US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday challenged Ukraine's military strategy. Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, criticized the Ukrainian government for its recent attacks on Russian oil refineries, particularly noting that the US had recently lifted temporary sanctions on Russian fuel to help stabilize prices. "I think it's time for Ukraine to get a new president," Trump remarked during the exchange.
In response to the US President's comments, Zelenskyy asserted that the choice of leadership is a matter for the Ukrainian people to decide. He further noted that the Russian leadership also has a vested interest in seeing a change in who leads Ukraine. Addressing the criticism regarding fuel prices, Zelenskyy argued that it is convenient to blame Ukraine for market volatility, even though the global community recognizes that rising costs are largely driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Earlier on Sunday, the Ukrainian President also addressed the military situation, stating that Ukraine is prepared to halt its strikes on Russian oil refineries if Moscow reciprocates by ceasing its own attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
