It’s up to Ukrainians to choose their next Leader - ZELENSKY replies TRUMP

Monday, October 12, 2026 - Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has pushed back against U.S. counterpart Donald Trump’s call for his replacement, stating that while future leadership decisions rest strictly with the Ukrainian public, national elections could be organized if Russia agrees to a 60-day total ceasefire.

The exchange follows a sharp flare-up in tensions after Trump announced a waiver on sanctions for significant quantities of Russian diesel to help reduce domestic fuel costs ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

Trump subsequently criticized Ukraine’s ongoing military strikes against Russian oil refineries, asserting they exacerbate global energy pressures, and suggested that Kyiv should install a new leader capable of settling the conflict.

"First of all, with all respect to President Trump, it’s up to our society, up to our people to choose one or another leader," Zelensky told ABC News during a televised interview on Sunday.

Addressing suggestions regarding democratic votes during wartime, Zelensky noted that he informed U.S. officials of the conditions under which Ukraine could conduct its first national elections since the 2022 Russian invasion.

"Please tell Putin give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organise elections," Zelensky said.

The U.S. decision to ease energy restrictions on Moscow has drawn widespread criticism from Ukrainian authorities, European allies, and several members of the U.S. Republican Party. Despite the diplomatic friction, Zelensky emphasized the vital importance of continued Western backing to counter Russian aggression and preserve allied unity.

"To stop Putin — and I think this is the main goal, to stop him, this is the main deal, to stop this war … we count on American support," Zelensky stated. "Then, and of course, we count on our European partners, and I hope that we will save this unity, Europe and the United States."

Reiterating Kyiv's openness to a de-escalation framework, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine remains ready to implement a targeted ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure, provided Moscow commits reciprocally.

However, he noted that heavy aerial bombardments throughout the week demonstrated that Russia does not yet feel genuine pressure to conclude hostilities.

"This week was very difficult for us, not only geopolitically. First of all, because of massive attacks, Russian attacks on our civilian infrastructure," he added.