Zelensky Open to New Elections, Prepares Revised Peace Proposals for Washington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he is ready to hold new national elections if security can be guaranteed, responding directly to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Kyiv of using the war to avoid a vote.

Elections in Ukraine have been suspended since Russia’s invasion due to martial law, which legally prohibits holding a national ballot. Zelensky said he has asked Ukraine’s parliament to draft proposals that would allow elections during wartime — but only if safety measures can be ensured across the country, which faces daily Russian missile and drone attacks.

He also publicly appealed for the United States and European partners to help provide the security necessary for holding such an election.

Kyiv to Submit Revised Peace Proposals to Washington

Zelensky said Ukraine would send revised proposals to the U.S. within a day, after consulting European allies in London, Brussels, and Rome. The revisions respond to Washington’s initial 28-point peace plan — since reduced to 20 points after negotiations — which has faced strong opposition from Kyiv and several European governments.

Washington’s plan reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede the entire Donbas region, including territory not currently controlled by Russia, in exchange for modest security guarantees that fall short of NATO membership.

Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine cannot legally or morally surrender territory:
“We have no legal or moral right to cede territories,” he said, adding that Kyiv still has no clear assurances of how partners would respond to future Russian aggression.

Trump and Putin Apply Pressure

Trump has sent mixed signals on Ukraine since returning to office in January. In a recent interview, he:

Claimed Russia now has the “upper hand” in the war

Suggested Ukraine is no longer acting as a democracy

Criticised European support for Kyiv as inadequate

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin again asserted that the Donbas is “Russia’s historical territory.”

European Leaders Push Back

European governments have increased diplomatic support for Ukraine in recent days. After meeting Zelensky, Pope Leo XIV criticised attempts to sideline Europe in peace talks, saying:
“The war is in Europe… Seeking a peace agreement without including Europe is unrealistic.”

He warned that recent comments — a reference to Trump’s criticisms — appear aimed at weakening the trans-Atlantic alliance at a critical moment.