Zelenskyy Signals Readiness for Possible Referendum on Peace Proposal
Speaking to media, Zelenskyy emphasized his commitment to securing favorable territorial arrangements through negotiation, but acknowledged he would turn to Ukrainian citizens for final approval should those terms fall short of his objectives.
Any such referendum would require ironclad security guarantees. Zelenskyy stipulated that a ceasefire lasting no fewer than 60 days represents the "minimum" period necessary to establish secure voting infrastructure across the war-torn nation.
Without adequate time to guarantee voter safety, Zelenskyy cautioned, participation numbers could plummet, jeopardizing the referendum's credibility and legal standing.
A senior US official revealed to media that while Moscow recognizes the necessity of a cessation of hostilities for referendum proceedings, the Kremlin favors a condensed timeline—significantly shorter than Kyiv's two-month requirement.
Presidential-Level Diplomacy Critical to Swift Resolution
Zelenskyy underscored the urgency of his scheduled Sunday discussion with US President Donald Trump, stressing that only direct engagement between heads of state can now accelerate the path toward ending the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader characterized the diplomatic effort as having evolved past preliminary staff negotiations, requiring presidents themselves to intervene and "finish it as quickly as possible."
His meeting with Trump will center on establishing a definitive framework and "schedule" for bringing the war to a close, Zelenskyy confirmed.
Multi-Document Deal Nearly Finalized with Washington
Progress on US-Ukraine agreements has reached an advanced stage, with Zelenskyy disclosing that five—potentially six—separate documents are approaching completion.
Yet significant disagreement remains over the duration of American security commitments. Rejecting Washington's proposed 15-year guarantee period, Zelenskyy stated: "I think we need more than 15 years," describing an extended arrangement as a "big success."
Prior to Sunday's face-to-face encounter, a Saturday conference call will convene Zelenskyy, Trump, and European leadership to "get everyone up to speed" on negotiations, according to a Ukrainian official speaking to media.
Earlier Friday, Zelenskyy publicly announced his Florida-bound trip to meet Trump, where discussions will address a draft peace document alongside security assurances and economic cooperation frameworks aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.
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