Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is prepared to consider a national referendum on a proposed peace plan backed by US President Donald Trump, provided Russia agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days.
Zelenskyy made the comments in a phone interview with Axios on Friday, two days before a planned meeting with Trump in Florida.
Framework for ending war on the agendaHe said Ukraine hopes to agree with Trump on a framework for ending the war during their meeting. Zelenskyy added that significant progress has already been made in talks between Ukrainian and US teams.
According to Zelenskyy, most elements of bilateral US-Ukraine agreements have been finalized and set out in five documents, with a possible sixth still under discussion.
Security guarantees near completionHe said Ukraine and the United States are close to agreement on security guarantees, though some technical issues remain, including the duration of the pact. The US has proposed a 15-year agreement with an option to renew, while Zelenskyy said Ukraine would prefer a longer term.
Zelenskyy said both countries would submit any security guarantees to their legislatures for ratification.
Territorial issues may require referendumOn territorial issues, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is still seeking to improve the terms of any proposed settlement. However, if the plan requires what he described as a very difficult decision on territory, he said the matter should be put to a referendum.
Zelenskyy said holding such a vote would require a sustained ceasefire because of political, logistical, and security risks. He called a 60-day pause in fighting the minimum needed to organize a credible referendum.
Referendum under fire would lack legitimacyHe said Russian officials are aware that a ceasefire would be required if Ukraine were to hold a vote, though Moscow is seeking a shorter pause.
Russia has so far rejected sustained ceasefires proposed during the war. Previous pauses in fighting have been short-lived, with Russian forces continuing missile and drone strikes. Moscow has conditioned any ceasefire on terms Ukraine has rejected.
Zelenskyy warned that a referendum held amid ongoing attacks would risk low turnout and questions over legitimacy. He said it would be better not to hold a vote than to hold one under conditions where people cannot safely participate.
Zelenskyy also said it remains unclear whether Russia is prepared to accept the plan at all.
Trump meeting set for SundayUS envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have discussed visiting Ukraine to present the plan, Zelenskyy said, adding that a visit by Trump himself could also be effective.
A conference call between Zelenskyy, Trump, and several European leaders is expected on Saturday, according to a Ukrainian official. Zelenskyy said the goal of his meeting with Trump on Sunday is to set a framework and timeline for ending the war.
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