President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday hinted at a referendum for Ukrainians to decide whether to cede land to Russia to help end Russia’s invasion.
The comment came as the US pressures Kyiv to concede the Donbas region as part of the peace settlement – a Kremlin war goal and a red line for Kyiv, as it is prohibited by the Ukrainian Constitution.
Zelensky, speaking to reporters on Thursday, said it is ultimately the Ukrainians’ decision on the price for peace – hinting at possible elections or referendums.
“I believe the people of Ukraine will answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, the Ukrainian people must take a position,” he said, according to RBC Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that 82% of Ukrainians “are demanding that a settlement be made” – a statement contradicted by local surveys and Kyiv Post interviews, which show most reject peace tied to territorial concessions or limits on sovereignty.