Zelensky explained that “significant progress” has been made in preparing the “peace plan,” but US President Donald Trump’s plan “still requires Ukraine to make painful territorial concessions” in the east, so he needs “the approval of the Ukrainian people” to improve these conditions.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that holding a referendum during war is associated with political, logistical difficulties and security factors. That is why he considers a 60-day truce to be the minimum for holding a plebiscite.
A senior US official told Axios that Moscow allegedly “understands the need for a ceasefire” to hold the referendum, but “wants a shorter time frame.”
Zelensky draws attention to the fact that if, instead of a truce, Ukrainians “see missiles,” they will not come to the polling stations, and then “the result may seem illegitimate.”
The President of Ukraine believes that it is better not to hold a referendum at all than to hold it without proper security conditions.
