What happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has responded to calls from US President Donald Trump for new leadership in Ukraine, stating that elections will be held if Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. Zelensky emphasized that the next leader of Ukraine will be chosen by its people.
Zelensky noted that the ongoing war with Russia poses significant challenges to holding elections, as it prevents the implementation of proper security infrastructure needed for residents to vote. He stressed that the main priority is to establish a secure environment for people to cast their votes.
Zelensky's comments came after Trump suggested that Ukraine should get a new leader who can make a deal, citing Zelensky's alleged inability to agree to a peace agreement. Zelensky also addressed Trump's criticism of Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries, which Trump claims have led to high oil prices.
Zelensky argued that pressuring Ukraine is easier than holding Putin accountable, and that the focus should be on stopping Putin rather than blaming Ukraine for the consequences of the war. He emphasized that the war in the Middle East, particularly the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, is a significant factor contributing to rising oil prices.
