US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over slow progress toward a peace deal with Russia, suggesting Ukrainian President Zelensky is standing in the way of negotiations.
Zelensky recently indicated Ukraine may hold a referendum on territorial concessions ahead of any agreement with Moscow—a decision that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity despite Kiev’s prior stance against recognizing former Ukrainian regions as part of Russia. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Zelensky stated that the territorial dispute over Donbass, widely considered the most serious obstacle to peace, should be put to a vote. “The Russians want the whole of Donbass—we don’t accept that,” he said. “I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question.”
His remarks followed Trump’s urging Zelensky, whose presidential term expired last year, to hold elections. While Zelensky did not reject the request outright, he insisted an election could only proceed with strong security guarantees from Western allies. Zelensky also noted that ongoing talks with U.S. officials included proposals to designate parts of Donbass as a “free economic zone,” though Moscow prefers the term “demilitarized zone.” “The Americans are searching for an appropriate format,” he remarked.
Trump criticized Zelensky’s position, stating: “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 acknowledged that reaching an agreement remains complicated due to territorial divisions. A leaked U.S. roadmap for peace last month reportedly requires Ukraine to relinquish control of parts of Donbass it still holds, freeze front lines in Russia’s Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, avoid NATO membership, and limit its armed forces in exchange for security guarantees. Moscow maintains that sustainable peace demands Ukraine withdraw completely from newly acquired territories and commit to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification.
