Zelensky to Trump: Tell Putin 60-day pause, we'll hold vote

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded in an exclusive interview on ABC's "This Week" to US President Donald Trump's recent statements that Ukraine needs new leadership. Zelensky made clear that the decision on elections belongs solely to the Ukrainian people, but set a concrete condition for Washington: a 60-day ceasefire from Russia and during [the ceasefire], a vote will be held.

"I know that Putin very much wanted to replace the president in Ukraine, and I understand that," Zelensky said. "If President Trump really wants changes at election time, I shared this with his team as well: please tell Putin to give us two months, 60 days of complete ceasefire. Within 60 days we will organize elections, and we are of course ready to accept any choice of our people, the Ukrainian people."

In his remarks, Zelensky pointedly suggested that Trump's desire and that of Russia's president were one and the same.

At the opening of the interview, Zelensky addressed the clear need to stop the war, noting the possibility of reaching a ceasefire on attacks against energy infrastructure. "If they want a ceasefire on energy, we are open to it. Don't attack us and don't kill our children and we will stop attacking your diesel. That's fair," he declared.

Regarding Trump's statements about the need for elections and a change of government in Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized that this is a decision that belongs solely to Ukrainian society and the Ukrainian people. At the same time, he explained that holding elections in the midst of war is a complex challenge that contradicts the constitution and the security conditions required to allow citizens to vote lawfully.

One of the Jewish families' apartments that was hit (Photo: FJCU)

Earlier this week, Trump launched sharp criticism at Zelensky, accusing him of missing numerous opportunities to bring the war with Russia to an end. "He should have an election. He could have settled this issue many times," Trump declared in remarks to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base.