Peskov Says Trump Favors Replacing Zelensky, Kyiv Ties Elections to Ceasefire
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine should select a new president because Volodymyr Zelensky has not shown the political will to make difficult decisions to end the war. Zelensky rejected Trump's call for his replacement but indicated Ukraine could hold elections if Russia agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. The dispute followed Trump's announcement of sanctions relief involving a large quantity of Russian exports.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserted that Donald Trump had floated the idea of Ukraine selecting a different president, saying Volodymyr Zelensky lacked willingness to take hard steps to halt the war. Peskov added that Zelensky had not yet shown the required political resolve.
Zelensky countered that leadership choice belongs to Ukrainians. He said Kyiv could organize elections, which have not occurred since Russia’s 2022 invasion, if Moscow accepted a full 60-day ceasefire. The clash came after Trump waived sanctions on substantial Russian diesel exports before US midterms and criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
The dispute may deepen uncertainty for Ukrainians, especially voters and war-affected communities, if election talk remains tied to ceasefire conditions. It could also shape US-Ukraine relations and energy markets, potentially influencing fuel prices and public debate before the US midterms. For people in both countries, daily realities may change only if a ceasefire is actually reached.