Zelenskiy offers to hold elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to organize elections provided Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire. This statement was made during an interview on ABC’s “This Week” in response to public criticism from US President Donald Trump, who recently suggested it is time for Ukraine to transition to new leadership. Trump has previously labeled Zelenskiy a “dictator” for failing to hold elections under martial law.

The tension stems from disputes over global energy supplies. Trump accused the Ukrainian government of destabilizing diesel markets through drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, shortly after his administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel imports. Zelenskiy countered these allegations by citing a recent Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in 20 fatalities, including three children. He also noted that rising global fuel prices are primarily driven by the conflict in the Middle East, rather than Ukrainian military actions.

Zelenskiy further indicated a willingness to halt strikes on Russian energy infrastructure if Moscow reciprocates by ending attacks on Ukrainian power facilities. While Zelenskiy has previously proposed similar ceasefire conditions for peace referendums, the Russian government has not issued a formal response to this latest offer.