Zelensky wants a 60-day ceasefire so that a referendum on the peace plan between Russia and Ukraine can take place
Zelensky claims that in order for Ukraine to hold a referendum on a proposed peace agreement, a 60-day ceasefire is required.
In order to give Ukrainians a chance to vote on a potential peace deal that would put an end to the conflict with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded a truce of at least 60 days.
As Washington steps up efforts to put an end to the almost four-year conflict, Zelensky made the appeal on Monday while speaking to media. This comes after recent diplomatic meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian authorities.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that popular approval is crucial for any agreement that might decide the destiny of the country and stated that the proposed 20-point peace framework must be put to a national referendum. He said that in order to have such a vote, a short ceasefire would need to ensure a calm atmosphere.
According to Reuters, “Zelensky also stated that a ceasefire of at least 60 days was necessary before the proposed 20-point peace plan could be put to a vote.”
He pointed out that the peace proposal still leaves open a number of delicate problems, such as long-term security guarantees to avert future hostilities and control of Ukrainian territory now held by Russian soldiers.
Following what Trump described as a lengthy and fruitful phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky met with President Trump at the former US leader’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida to discuss these concerns.
Despite Trump’s claim that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to an agreement, both parties have admitted that challenging talks are yet ahead, especially with regard to territorial control and security arrangements.
Zelensky also criticized Russia’s stance throughout the negotiations, claiming that its real-world activities contradict President Putin’s professed dedication to peace.
Approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian land is currently under Russian control, including Crimea and a sizable portion of the Donbas region. Russia has warned that Ukraine may lose further territory if a peace agreement cannot be reached.
