Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he would hold a presidential election if Russia agrees to a 60-day truce, pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly raised the need to replace him. As the dispute between the two leaders escalates, major European countries have reaffirmed their support for Zelenskyy.
Appearing on ABC's "This Week" on the 11th, Zelenskyy said Russia should guarantee a full two-month ceasefire and that Ukraine would then hold a vote, according to Reuters and other outlets. He added that the choice of Ukraine's leader rests with the Ukrainian people.
The remarks were a direct response to Trump's call for him to step down. With truce negotiations between Ukraine and Russia stalled, the offer is widely read as a de facto rejection.
Trump agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 9th to supply Russian diesel to global markets and temporarily lifted related sanctions. After Zelenskyy criticized the deal, saying it looked like a birthday gift for Putin, Trump said the following day that Zelenskyy could have ended the war several times but chose not to. He went on to say he believes it is time for a new president in Ukraine, bluntly raising the prospect of a change in leadership.
Zelenskyy, who took office in May 2019, had been due to see his term expire in May 2024. But no election was held because of martial law declared after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and he has remained in office. Russia has used that to question his legitimacy.
As Trump's push for a change of leadership in Kyiv drew attention, major European governments issued successive statements of support. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was convinced no one could defeat Ukraine and its president in the fight against Russian aggression, according to Politico Europe. He added that he had told Zelenskyy the Ukrainian people could count on the full solidarity of Poland and Europe.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also confirmed his support for Zelenskyy and urged stronger pressure on Russia to return to peace talks. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC that his country stands with Zelenskyy, stressing that the authority to choose Ukraine's leader belongs to the Ukrainian people.