Zelensky: I am ready to put Trump’s plan to a referendum if a ceasefire is established

According to Isna, Zelensky said he still hopes to improve the terms of the plan and said that if they cannot reach a “strong” position on the territory issue, he must win the approval of the Ukrainian people.

According to Axios, the American side sees the fact that Zelensky is ready to hold a referendum and no longer completely rejects the transfer of his lands as a big step forward.

In his interview, Zelensky emphasized that such a referendum would be accompanied by major political, logistical and security complications.

For this reason, he believes that at least a 60-day ceasefire is necessary to organize and hold voting. A senior US official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable.

Zelensky also said that it is not clear to him whether Russia is basically ready to accept Trump’s plan or not. He said: “I have information… but at this point I want to trust only the words of the leaders.”
The Ukrainian president also said that most aspects of the US-Ukraine bilateral agreements have now been finalized and are in the form of five documents, although a sixth document may be added.

Regarding the issue of security guarantees, Zelensky said that documents have been prepared in this regard; However, some “technical issues” still need more discussions.

One of these things is the duration of the agreement. America has proposed a 15-year agreement that can be extended. “I think we need more than 15 years,” Zelensky said, adding that if Trump agreed to this during their meeting, he would consider it a “great success.”

Zelensky confirmed that US special envoy Steve Wittkoff and Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner are ready to travel to Ukraine to fully explain the benefits of the deal.

The President of Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire that will actually be maintained and last at least two months. He said that if people do not show up to vote due to security concerns, the result could appear illegitimate.

In this regard, Zelensky said: “It is better not to have a referendum at all than to hold a referendum where people cannot come and vote.”

According to a Ukrainian official, Zelensky, Trump and a group of European leaders are scheduled to meet on Saturday to update everyone on the talks. Zelensky said he hopes that they can “communicate with the Europeans” during Sunday’s meeting with Trump.

Zelensky made clear that the purpose of Sunday’s meeting with Trump is to use any progress made to set a framework for ending the war — including a “timeline.”

He said: I think we are now at the next level and that is why the presidents should negotiate. We want to finish it as soon as possible. That’s why I count on this meeting.

end of message