Following recent Berlin talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposes a referendum on his 20-point peace plan if it involves tough territorial concessions with Russia. This comes ahead of a December 28 meeting with US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing security guarantees and a prerequisite 60-day ceasefire for fair voting.
Building on December meetings in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is intensifying diplomacy ahead of his potential December 28 summit with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. In an Axios interview, Zelenskyy said the peace plan—90 percent complete and revealed on Christmas Eve—is not his decision alone. For difficult territorial compromises, he advocates a referendum, similar to Brexit but accelerated due to wartime conditions.
A 60-day ceasefire with Russia is essential for safe voting: 'It's better not to have a referendum than one where people can't come and vote,' he told Axios. The envoys will promote the plan's benefits in Ukraine, with Zelenskyy urging Trump's direct involvement. The plan features security guarantees akin to NATO's Article 5. Zelenskyy continues aligning with Merz on European positions, while Trump has voiced skepticism to Politico and anticipates Putin discussions. Russia maintains claims on Donetsk and Luhansk, hindering progress.
Zelenskyy calls for presidential-level talks: 'We're at the next level, so we must negotiate with presidents.' The Trump meeting may herald US-Ukraine reconciliation.