Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, in a television appearance on December 11, said that the country's people must resolve the territorial issue themselves – through elections or a referendum.
Zelensky explained that the United States proposes to establish a “free economic zone” (also known as a demilitarized zone) on the territory of Donbass, including the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and prohibiting Russian forces from entering. At the same time, the president noted that it is still unknown whose control this territory will be under.
Will Ukraine agree to establish a “free economic zone” in Donbass? This question will be answered by the Ukrainian people. Under election or referendum, Vladimir Zelensky is President of Ukraine
He said his personal views on the Donbass issue remained unchanged, although a day earlier it was reported that Kyiv was ready to make territorial concessions if Moscow responded with a reciprocal step.
“Our position in the plan: it is fair for us to stand where we stand, that is, on the line of contact. So, the discussion between these different views is currently taking place,” the Ukrainian leader said, adding that the corresponding position, in addition to Donbass, also applies to the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.
Zelensky described the option proposed by the US as “not beneficial for Ukraine”.
At the same time, the head of state notedthat the dialogue on this topic continues, the Ukrainian side is “looking for fair solutions based on equality and guarantees of security”. He wants to leave the final decision on this issue to the Ukrainians, but emphasizes that in reality now much depends on the country's army.
What can the Ukrainian army hold, how can it stand, where can it destroy (Russian soldiers). This affects the entire diplomatic structure Vladimir Zelensky President of Ukraine
Zelensky does not rule out holding presidential elections
In addition to the referendum, Zelensky also did not rule out the possibility that the issue of presidential elections would be considered, statedthat he did not want “this topic to become a trump card in the hands of those putting pressure on Ukraine.”
At the same time, a few days ago, he noted that to do this, it is first necessary to resolve a number of issues, the main of which is safety when organizing such an event.
“How to do them? How to do this under attacks, under missiles? About our military. The question is: how will they vote?” — Zelensky reasoned, noting that he himself could not retain the presidency.
The Ukrainian leader also pointed out the need to have a legal basis to ensure the legitimacy of elections. He instructed the Verkhovna Rada to prepare a legislative framework for holding elections during martial law. This will be necessary, he said, to give clear answers to questions from international partners, including the United States, regarding the organization of the electoral process.
