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Zelensky Offers Peace Plan Referendum if Russia Accepts 60-Day Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he is willing to submit a comprehensive 20-point peace plan to a national referendum, but only if Russia first agrees to a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days. He emphasized the logistical and security complexities of organizing such a vote during an active conflict. The announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, where they aim to finalize a framework for ending the crisis. Additionally, Zelensky indicated that proposed U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, currently set for 15 years, should be of a longer duration.

Key Points: Zelensky: Ukraine Peace Plan Referendum Needs 60-Day Ceasefire

  • 60-day ceasefire required for vote
  • 20-point peace plan to referendum
  • Security guarantees beyond 15 years sought
  • Upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting
2 min read

Zelensky says willing to bring peace plan for referendum if Russia agrees to 60-day ceasefire: Report

Ukraine's Zelensky says he'll put a 20-point peace plan to a referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, ahead of key talks with Trump.

"a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote 'is the minimum' - Volodymyr Zelensky"

Washington, Dec 27

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is willing to bring a peace plan to end the Ukraine crisis for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, according to US media outlet Axios.

In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelensky said he would still like to negotiate a better position on territory. But if the plan demands "a very difficult" decision on that issue, he believes the best path forward will be to put the entire 20-point plan to a referendum, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote "is the minimum," as such a plebiscite would have major political, logistical and security complications.

A senior US official told Axios that the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable.

Zelensky said he hopes to agree with US President Donald Trump on a framework for ending the crisis when they meet in the US state of Florida on Sunday.

He said most aspects of the bilateral US-Ukraine agreements are now set and have been codified into five documents, though a sixth may be added.

On the duration of security guarantees after peace is restored in Ukraine, the US administration has proposed a 15-year pact that could be renewed. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelensky told Axios.

Both the United States and Ukraine would bring the security guarantees before their legislatures for ratification, Zelensky added.

Zelensky, Trump and a group of European leaders are expected to hold a conference call on Saturday to get everyone up to speed on the talks, the report said, citing a Ukrainian official.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting development. Zelensky is showing political maturity by taking such a major decision to the people. However, the entire plan depends on Russia's agreement to a ceasefire, which seems unlikely given past behavior. The world is watching.
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Aditya G
As an Indian, I see this as a classic negotiation tactic. Propose a long ceasefire knowing the other side will counter. The real test is the upcoming Trump meeting. The US's role as a security guarantor for 15+ years will set a huge global precedent.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I have to criticize the reliance on a referendum for such a complex geopolitical issue. Territorial integrity shouldn't be decided by a vote under the shadow of war. It feels like passing a very heavy burden to ordinary citizens.
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Vikram M
The logistical challenge of a referendum in a war zone is immense. Who will monitor it? Will displaced people get to vote? Hope they have a solid plan. India has experience with massive elections, maybe they could share some expertise? 🤔
K
Karthik V
The focus should be on lasting peace, not just a 15-year security pact. Zelensky is right to ask for more. This conflict has disrupted global food and energy supplies, hurting economies like ours. A permanent solution is needed, not a temporary fix.

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