Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukraine needed a new leader capable of reaching a peace deal with Russia, repeating his accusation that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was creating problems for the United States and the world. He also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, arguing they worsened global diesel shortages, and said that Vladimir Putin wants a settlement of the conflict.
On Sunday, 11 October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Trump's remarks in a live ABC News broadcast. He stated that the choice of Ukraine's leader belongs to the Ukrainian people, saying, "C’est aux Ukrainiens de choisir leur dirigeant" and, in English, "With all respect to President Trump, the choice of one leader or another is up to our people." Zelensky added that his government would hold elections if a sixty‑day ceasefire were achieved, noting, "Give us two months – 60 days of a complete ceasefire – and we will hold elections," and that the current authorities would accept any decision of the electorate.
Earlier in June, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the issue of a Ukrainian presidential election had become significant and reminded observers that Zelenskyy's term had officially expired in 2024.
Germany reaffirmed its full support for Zelenskyy, stressing the need for stability in Europe.
On the same day, a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed twenty‑three people, including four children. Germany reaffirmed its full support for Zelenskyy, stressing the need for stability in Europe.
Trump continues to press for a new Ukrainian president as a path to peace, while Zelenskyy maintains that elections can only proceed after a sixty‑day ceasefire.