Zelensky Signals Readiness to Hold Referendum on Territorial Cessions

(MENAFN) Ukraine's Vladimir Zelensky has signaled the nation could conduct a public vote on ceding territory before finalizing any settlement with Moscow. Kiev had previously rejected any acknowledgment of former Ukrainian regions as Russian territory.

During a Thursday press briefing, Zelensky proposed that the territorial disagreement with Russia over Donbass – broadly viewed as the primary obstacle to ending hostilities – should be decided by popular ballot.

"The Russians want the whole of Donbass – we don't accept that. I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question. Whether in the form of elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must have a say."

The statement follows US President Donald Trump's call for Zelensky, whose mandate ended last year, to organize elections. While Zelensky stopped short of outright refusal, he stressed that any electoral process depends on Western nations delivering robust security assurances to Kiev.

Zelensky revealed that current negotiations with American officials regarding a settlement feature suggestions to classify portions of Donbass as a "free economic zone," noting that Moscow favors terminology like "demilitarized zone."

"The Americans are searching for an appropriate format," the Ukrainian leader said.

Trump has voiced exasperation with the sluggish movement toward resolution, implying Zelensky represents the principal barrier.

"I thought we were very close with Ukraine to having a deal. In fact, other than President Zelensky, his people loved the concept of the deal," he said, while acknowledging that reaching an agreement is "a little bit complicated because you're cutting up land in a certain way."

The preliminary US peace framework disclosed to media outlets last month allegedly demanded Ukraine surrender Donbass areas under its control, halt military operations along existing battle lines in Russia's Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, abandon NATO membership aspirations, and restrict military capacity, receiving security commitments in exchange.

Moscow contends that lasting peace requires Ukraine to fully evacuate the newly incorporated Russian territories and accept neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification.

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