The head of the Ukrainian state noted that holding a referendum is associated with serious political, logistical and security issues. And therefore, as Zelensky noted, a 60-day ceasefire to prepare for and conduct the vote “is a minimum”.
The president also added that it is not yet clear to him whether Russia is even ready to agree to Trump’s plan.
“I have some intelligence… But now I’m at a point where I want to believe only the words of the leaders,” he said.
Zelensky compared such a vote to the Brexit referendum in the UK – with active campaigning on both sides on an extremely difficult issue, but at the same time in a much shorter time frame and in a warring state.
He confirmed that US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and the American leader’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are ready to visit Ukraine to explain the benefits of the agreement. At the same time, according to him, perhaps US President Donald Trump himself should come to present arguments.
However, the Ukrainian head of state warned that if such a campaign takes place against the backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks, it will end badly. With all the talk about security guarantees and economic benefits, “people will see the missiles.”
The President noted that if people do not come to vote for security reasons, the result may look illegitimate.
“It is better not to hold a referendum at all than to hold a referendum in which people do not have the opportunity to come and vote,” he said.
An unnamed US official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire in the event of a referendum, but want a shorter time frame.
Referendum on the peace plan
Let us recall that earlier the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky emphasized that if it comes to this, in Ukraine it is necessary to put up for a referendum not only the issue of territories, but the entire US peace plan.
He noted that the idea of a referendum was proposed by the United States. At the same time, according to him, the key issue is security. And, as the president noted, Ukraine’s partners have enough strength to force or negotiate with the Russian Federation to ensure security during the presidential elections or referendum.
It is worth noting that the United States wants Ukraine to give the entire Donetsk region under Russian control. At the same time, Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that he will not give territory to anyone.
