Zelensky Conditions Election on Ceasefire After Trump Calls for New Leadership
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he would hold elections if Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, responding to calls for his replacement by US President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Sunday to US President Donald Trump's call for his replacement, stating he is ready to hold presidential elections in Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. In an interview with ABC News, Zelensky emphasized that with all due respect to President Trump, the Ukrainian people are the ones who determine their leadership.
Shortly after, Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine had both agreed to an energy ceasefire to halt strikes on each other's energy facilities, though neither side has officially confirmed the agreement. Trump had previously called on Ukraine to find a new president following Zelensky's criticism of a US-brokered diesel deal with Russia that lifts sanctions to allow Russian diesel exports.
Zelensky also addressed demands to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, stating Ukraine would reciprocate only if Russia stops targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes targeted data centers of Russian tech giant Yandex, causing widespread disruptions across Russia and neighboring countries.