Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks to the media during a press briefing after his phone talks with the US president, in Kyiv, on May 19, 2025, amid the Russian invasion on Ukraine. The United States has agreed to "tightly coordinate" Ukraine talks with European partners following a call between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, the German government said on May 19. Immediately after his conversation with Putin, Trump held a second call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the leaders of France, Finland, Germany, and the EU Commission. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a ceasefire of at least 60 days, saying it is necessary to allow Ukrainians vote on a proposed peace agreement aimed at ending the war with Russia.
Zelensky made the call on Monday while addressing reporters, following recent diplomatic engagements involving United States President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian officials, as Washington intensifies efforts to end the nearly four year conflict.
The Ukrainian leader said the proposed 20 point peace framework must be subjected to a national referendum, stressing that public approval is essential for any agreement that could determine the country’s future. According to him, organising such a vote would require a stable environment guaranteed by a temporary ceasefire.
“Zelensky also said that the proposed 20 point peace plan could only be put to a vote if there was a ceasefire lasting at least 60 days,” Reuters reported.
He noted that several sensitive issues remain unresolved within the peace proposal, including control of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces and long term security guarantees to prevent renewed conflict.
These issues were discussed during Zelensky’s recent meeting with President Trump at the former US leader’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, which followed what Trump described as an extensive and productive phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite Trump’s assertion that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to an agreement, both sides have acknowledged that difficult negotiations lie ahead, particularly over territorial control and security arrangements.
Zelensky also criticised Russia’s posture during the talks, saying its actions on the ground do not align with President Putin’s stated commitment to peace.
Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and large parts of the Donbas region, and has warned that failure to reach a peace deal could result in further territorial losses for Ukraine.
Ademide Adebayo
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