Ukrainians Will Decide Their Next Leader — Zelensky Tells Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed back against United States President Donald Trump’s call for Ukraine to elect a new leader, insisting that the decision belongs to the Ukrainian people.

Zelensky made the remarks during an interview with ABC News on Sunday, October 11, after Trump said Ukraine needed a new president capable of reaching a peace agreement with Russia.

“With all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader also said Kyiv was prepared to organise elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 60-day ceasefire.

“Please tell Putin, give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections,” Zelensky said, referring to a message he wanted conveyed through Trump’s team.

Trump had criticised Zelensky over Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, arguing that the strikes had contributed to rising fuel prices in the United States. He also accused the Ukrainian president of failing to secure an agreement to end the war.

The comments came amid renewed tensions between Washington and Kyiv following a US agreement with Russia concerning diesel supplies. Zelensky has argued that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could provide Moscow with additional revenue to sustain its war effort.

Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The country’s legal framework does not permit national elections while martial law remains in force, creating significant legal and security obstacles to holding a vote during the conflict.

Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, parts of the country remain under Russian occupation, and continued attacks pose risks to voters and election officials.

Zelensky’s proposal links the possibility of elections to a temporary halt in hostilities, although no agreement on the proposed 60-day ceasefire had been confirmed at the time of his remarks.

The exchange highlights continuing disagreements between Washington and Kyiv over the war, negotiations with Moscow and the conditions required for a political settlement.