Donald Trump met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly in September. (AP: Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a Ukrainian election can only be held if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, as he rejects US President Donald Trump's call for him to be replaced as Ukrainian president.
Mr Trump has sharpened his criticism of the wartime leader in recent days, blaming Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries for high diesel prices in the US.
The US president has also announced that his administration had temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel, as Mr Trump faces pressure domestically over his handling of the Iran war and high energy prices.
Speaking to the American Broadcasting Company, Mr Zelenskyy pushed back on Mr Trump's call for Ukrainians to pick a new leader.
"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," Mr Zelenskyy said in a televised interview.
Ukrainian strikes are systematically targeting Russia's vast and lucrative oil refineries. (Reuters: Stringer)
Mr Zelenskyy said he told Mr Trump's team that if they really wanted Ukraine to hold elections, "please tell Putin give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections".
Mr Trump's deal with the Kremlin and increased criticism of Ukraine prompted European leaders to rally around Mr Zelenskyy.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul restated Berlin's support for Mr Zelenskyy and urged more pressure to be put on Russia to resume peace talks.
"We don't need less pressure, we need more pressure on Putin to make him be ready to negotiate," Mr Wadephul said.
"That is what this moment requires and that's what the government stands for."
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Mr Zelenskyy on Saturday and told him the UK would continue to strengthen its sanctions on Russia, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Reuters/AFP