Media: Zelenskyy "ready" to seek public vote on Trump plan with ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hopes to agree on a framework with U.S. President Donald Trump for ending the war when they meet on Sunday, according to an interview with Axios.

Zelenskyy said he is willing to submit a peace plan to a national referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, which he said would be the minimum needed to overcome political, logistical and security obstacles.

While saying progress has been made, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Trump’s plan would require difficult territorial concessions in eastern Ukraine. He said he hopes to improve those terms but would need public approval if Ukraine cannot secure a “strong” position on territory.

U.S. officials see Zelenskyy’s readiness to hold a referendum and consider concessions as a major step forward, Axios reported. Zelenskyy, however, warned of serious complications in holding such a vote during wartime.

“That’s why he thinks a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote ‘is the minimum.’”

A senior U.S. official said Russia understands the need for a ceasefire if a referendum is held, but prefers a shorter period.

Zelenskyy said it remains unclear whether Moscow is prepared to accept Trump’s plan. “I have some intelligence... but I'm at the moment when I want to believe only to the words of leaders,” he said.

Speaking ahead of a planned meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Zelenskyy said most U.S.-Ukraine agreements have been finalised and codified into five documents, with security guarantees largely ready.

“I think we are ready with these documents,” he said, adding that discussions continue over the duration of the pact. Washington has proposed 15 years, but Zelenskyy said, “I think we need more than 15 years,” calling the agreement on that point a “big success.”

Zelenskyy said security guarantees would be submitted for legislative ratification in both countries and praised the work of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

If territorial concessions are required, Zelenskyy said he would put the full 20-point plan to a referendum, comparing it to Britain’s Brexit vote but under wartime conditions.

“For all the talk of security guarantees and economic benefits, ‘the people will see the missiles.’”

He warned that a referendum held amid ongoing attacks could lack legitimacy. “It's better to not have a referendum than have a referendum where people do not have the possibility to come and vote,” he said.

Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are scheduled to meet in Florida on December 28, signalling potential progress in U.S.-backed efforts to end the nearly four-year war between Russia and Ukraine.

Zelenskyy first announced the meeting on December 26, saying it would take place in the "near future." In a WhatsApp chat with Ukrainian journalists, he later confirmed the meeting would occur Sunday.

The White House confirmed the plans Friday night, listing a bilateral meeting between the two leaders Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in Florida.

By Aghakazim Guliyev