In an exclusive interview with Axios, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is prepared to put Donald Trump’s plan to end the war to a referendum—provided Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days.
Zelensky made the comments in a phone call with Axios two days ahead of a scheduled meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
According to Zelensky, most aspects of the bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Ukraine have been finalized in five documents, with a potential sixth to be added. Regarding security guarantees, he noted: "I think we are ready with these documents," though some "technical things" remain for discussion.
The U.S. has proposed a renewable 15-year security pact. "I think we need more than 15 years," Zelensky said, adding he would consider it a "great success" if Trump agrees to this during their meeting. Both sides intend to submit the security guarantees to their respective legislatures for ratification.
Zelensky praised the work of Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as his own team led by National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov.
According to Axios, the American side views Zelensky’s willingness to hold a referendum as a significant step forward. However, a senior U.S. official noted that while the Russians understand the necessity of a ceasefire for a referendum, they are pushing for a shorter duration.
Zelensky compared the potential vote to the UK’s Brexit referendum—featuring intense campaigning on both sides of a highly complex issue—but compressed into a much tighter timeframe and conducted in a country at war.
Zelensky confirmed that Witkoff and Kushner are prepared to visit Ukraine to present the benefits of the deal. He suggested that perhaps Trump himself should visit to help convince the Ukrainian public.
But if the campaign takes place against a backdrop of Russian attacks, it will end poorly, Zelensky warned. Despite all the talk of security guarantees and economic benefits, "people will see missiles."
"It is better not to have a referendum than to have a referendum where people will not have the possibility to come and vote," he emphasized.
A conference call involving Zelensky, Trump, and a group of European leaders is expected on Saturday to coordinate positions. Zelensky hopes that during Sunday's meeting, he and Trump will also be able to "connect with the Europeans."
Ahead of the meeting, Zelensky held phone calls with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He stated that Ukraine is working constructively with America, and Russia must see that responsibility for any failure of peace efforts lies solely with Moscow.
See also: Russian Foreign Ministry sees "peace approaching" in Ukraine but recalls old demands.