Zelensky offers Ukrainian elections in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire

During a conversation with journalist Jonathan Karl, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine would schedule elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin consented to a 60-day ceasefire. Zelensky stressed that the Ukrainian people should determine the election date and their future leaders. He noted that Putin desires a change in Ukraine's presidency and suggested that a temporary halt to hostilities would enable a credible voting process.

Zelensky also said Kyiv would cease attacks on Russian oil refineries only if Moscow stopped striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The proposal comes after Donald Trump publicly suggested that Ukraine should get a new president capable of making a deal with Russia. Zelensky’s offer ties the political timetable to a reciprocal reduction in military actions on both sides.