Zelensky Rebuffs Trump on Leadership Call, Sets Ceasefire Condition for Elections

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly countered remarks made by former US President Donald Trump regarding his leadership, asserting that the choice of Ukraine's head of state rests solely with its citizens. Zelensky also indicated that elections could be conducted in his nation, but only if Russia agrees to a comprehensive 60-day ceasefire.

This latest exchange highlights renewed friction between the two leaders. The tensions escalated after Trump declared on Friday his intention to waive sanctions on a substantial volume of Russian diesel. This move, aimed at reducing fuel costs ahead of the US midterm elections in November, drew criticism. On Saturday, Trump further assailed Zelensky, blaming Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries for contributing to escalating diesel prices and urging for Zelensky's replacement by a leader who would bring the conflict to an end.

Responding to Trump's assertions during a televised interview with ABC News on Sunday, President Zelensky stated, "First of all, with all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader."

He further revealed that he had communicated to Trump's team that if they genuinely desired Ukraine to conduct elections – which would be the first since Russia's full-scale invasion commenced in 2022 – they should "please tell Putin give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections."

Trump's decision to temporarily lift the Russian oil sanctions has drawn considerable disapproval, not only from Ukraine but also from numerous European allies of the United States, and even from within his own Republican Party.

Zelensky underscored the critical importance of ongoing US backing, expressing his hope that the recent disagreement would not undermine the "unity" among Ukraine's international partners. He told ABC News, "To stop Putin — and I think this is the main goal, to stop him, this is the main deal, to stop this war … we count on American support."

He added, "Then, and of course, we count on our European partners, and I hope that we will save this unity, Europe and the United States," acknowledging the task was "really not simple." The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his country's readiness for a ceasefire, including specifically on energy infrastructure, provided Russia agrees.

However, Zelensky noted that Russia's intensified attacks this week suggest it does not currently "feel real pressure" to cease hostilities. He described the past week as "very difficult for us, not only geopolitically. First of all, because of massive attacks, Russian attacks on our civilian infrastructure."