Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine could organise elections if Russia agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire, pushing back against US President Donald Trump’s call for the country to choose a new leader.
Zelensky made the remarks during a televised interview with ABC News on Sunday, a day after Trump called for Ukraine to get a new president who would agree to end the war with Russia.
“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 asked Trump’s team to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a two-month ceasefire to allow Ukraine to organise elections.
“If you really want us to hold elections, please tell Putin to give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, and we will organise elections,” Zelensky said.
Trump had urged Ukraine to replace Zelensky on Saturday, criticising Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries that he said had contributed to rising diesel prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
The US president said he had previously told Zelensky he could take action against Russia but should avoid targeting refineries.
“He better damn well stop,” Trump said, before adding that he believed it was time for Ukraine to get a new president who would agree to end the war.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed support for Zelensky following the exchange with Trump.
According to a statement from Burnham’s office, the British leader told Zelensky during a telephone conversation that he had his “complete solidarity” and acknowledged that the preceding 24 hours had been difficult for Ukraine.
The two leaders also discussed the need to maintain pressure on Russia. Burnham said Britain would continue strengthening sanctions and taking further measures to constrain Russia’s war effort.
The statement added that the leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days.
