Zelensky: "I Will Hold an Election If Putin Agrees to a 60-Day Ceasefire"

Hits Back at Trump: "Ukraine Needs a New President"

AP Yonhap News

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on October 11 (local time) that he would hold a presidential election immediately if Russia agreed to a full 60-day ceasefire. The remarks were seen as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that Ukraine needed a new president.

In an interview with ABC News on October 11, Zelensky said, “If Russian President Vladimir Putin guarantees a full 60-day ceasefire, I will hold an election immediately. We want peace and want to begin a ceasefire, and we are ready to take any steps to de-escalate tensions.”

The remarks were seen as directly aimed at Trump. At a news conference at the White House on October 10, Trump said, “I think it’s time for Ukraine to have a new president,” arguing that Zelensky should step down. Trump expressed his displeasure with Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian oil refineries despite U.S. opposition.

Zelensky countered, “I respect President Trump, but it is up to Ukrainian society and the Ukrainian people to choose their leader,” adding, “President Putin also wants a change in Ukraine’s leadership.”

Criticizing U.S. opposition to attacks on Russian oil refineries, Zelensky said, “It is very easy to blame Ukraine, even though everyone knows that the war in the Middle East is driving up global oil prices.” He added, “If Russia stops attacking Ukraine’s energy facilities and civilians, we will also stop attacking Russian oil refineries. That is a fair deal.”

Meanwhile, Trump announced on October 11 via Truth Social, his social media platform, that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to an energy ceasefire, and warned both sides not to violate it.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.