Zelenskyy signals referendum on eastern territories amid peace plan talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that the question of territorial control in eastern Ukraine could be decided through a referendum, as Kyiv faces mounting pressure to consider terms of a proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s ongoing war.

Moscow has demanded that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of the Donbas — including areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that Russian troops have yet to capture after nearly four years of conflict. Zelenskyy, however, has maintained that Ukraine will not surrender territory to the Kremlin, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“The Russians want the whole of Donbas — we don’t accept that,” Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv. “I believe that the Ukrainian people will answer this question. Whether in the form of elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must have a say.”

Territorial issues remain central in negotiations among Washington, Kyiv, and Moscow as officials attempt to reach a potential agreement to end the war. Zelenskyy noted that the US has discussed designating the region as a “free economic zone,” while Russia favors a “demilitarized zone.”

“The Americans are searching for an appropriate format,” he said. “Let’s see how this all plays out. Right now, I believe that a lot depends on our army.”

Zelenskyy has already this week pledged to hold elections within a matter of months, provided Ukraine gets suitable security guarantees from the States.

They would also need help from Trump to ensure Putin doesn’t stick his paws in and interfere, he said.

Ukrainian allies are reviewing the latest draft of the peace plan, following discussions between US President Donald Trump and the leaders of Germany, France, and the UK. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that territorial concessions must ultimately be determined by Ukraine.

“Above all, it’s about the territorial concessions that Ukraine is ready to make — but that’s a question that the Ukrainian president and the Ukrainian people must answer,” Merz said in Berlin. “We made that clear to President Trump.”

Zelenskyy added that his team is working daily to refine the 20-point peace framework, sending a revised draft to Washington. “This plan is constantly being revised and edited. It is an ongoing process that continues now,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva