Video: Zelenskyy replies Trump on Ukraine’s new leadership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Abdullateef Fowewe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to the recent criticism from United States President Donald Trump.
Video: Zelenskyy replies Trump on Ukraine’s new leadership
Zelenskyy in an interview on Sunday with ABC, claimed that Ukraine is prepared to organise national elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire.
Zelenskyy could be heard saying, “Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections. Of course, we will be ready for any choice of our people.”
He emphasised that leadership decisions rest with Ukrainians stressing, “First of all, with all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader.”
The remarks came after Trump told reporters at the White House that “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
Trump criticised Zelenskyy for continuing strikes on Russian oil refineries shortly after the U.S. temporarily eased sanctions on Russian fuel, which Trump linked to efforts to address global diesel supplies and rising prices.
Ukraine has operated under martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ukrainian law prohibits holding elections during martial law, which has extended Zelenskyy’s term beyond its original end in 2024.
Trump has repeatedly urged Ukraine to hold elections and criticised the delay, at times questioning Zelenskyy’s legitimacy.
Zelenskyy has previously indicated that a ceasefire would be needed to create safe conditions for voting.
In the same interview and related comments, Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was ready to halt attacks on Russian oil infrastructure if Moscow stops its strikes on Ukrainian energy targets.
Russia has not responded to the latest ceasefire-linked election offer as at the time of filing this report.
