Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that a referendum may decide the future of territorial control in eastern Ukraine. His comments come as Kyiv faces increasing pressure to accept conditions in a proposed peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s war.
Russia has insisted that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the Donbas region, which includes areas of Donetsk and Luhansk still outside Russian control after nearly four years of conflict.
Zelenskiy has taken part in discussions over the latest peace proposal from President Donald Trump’s administration. However, he has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine will not give up its territory to Russia.
“The Russians want the whole of Donbas — we do not accept that,” Zelenskiy told reporters in Kyiv. “I believe the Ukrainian people should answer this question. Whether through elections or a referendum, the people must decide.”
His remarks mark the first time Zelenskiy has publicly indicated that territorial issues could be put to a national vote as peace talks continue.
