Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine could organise elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s call for the country to choose a new leader.
Zelensky made the statement during a televised interview with ABC News on Sunday, a day after Trump criticised him over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
“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,” Zelensky said.
He added that he had conveyed his position to Trump’s team, saying Russia must agree to a two-month halt in hostilities to allow Ukraine to organise elections.
“If they really want Ukraine to hold elections, please tell Putin to give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” he said.
Trump Calls for New Ukrainian Leadership
Trump on Saturday urged Ukraine to choose a new president, arguing that the country needed a leader willing to agree to end the war with Russia.
The US president criticised Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have become a point of tension amid efforts to address rising fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
Trump said he had told Zelensky to “do what you want” against Russia but warned him against targeting refineries.
“He better damn well stop,” Trump said.
He subsequently added that he believed “it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president” who would agree to end the war.
Zelensky, however, maintained that the choice of Ukraine’s leader rests with its citizens.
UK Prime Minister Pledges Support for Zelensky
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed his “complete solidarity” with Zelensky following the Ukrainian leader’s latest clash with Trump over Russian fuel supplies and the war.
According to a statement released by Downing Street, Burnham spoke with Zelensky on Saturday and acknowledged that the preceding 24 hours had been difficult for Ukraine.
The leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia as the war continues.
Burnham said the UK would continue strengthening sanctions against Russia and take further action to constrain its war machine.
The statement added that Britain would build on new sanctions targeting Russian interests announced earlier in the week.
Both leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days, according to Downing Street.
The diplomatic exchanges come as Ukraine continues to seek international support while facing pressure from Washington over its approach to the conflict and the prospects for a negotiated settlement.
