Zelensky: Ukraine-Russia Deal Must Be Ratified by Referendum

President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that any agreement to terminate the war with Russia must be ratified by a national referendum in Ukraine. This requirement was originally proposed two weeks ago and was reiterated this Tuesday during a meeting with media in Kiev.

The referendum process would necessitate 60 days of preparation and a ceasefire from the invading army. Zelensky emphasized that the main sticking points in the US-driven peace plan are the withdrawal of Russian troops from the Donbas region and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. These issues represent the primary divergence between Ukrainian interests and the current peace proposals.

President Zelensky has established strict conditions for the ratification of any potential peace treaty with Russia. The primary mechanism for approval is a national referendum, ensuring that the Ukrainian populace has the final say on territorial and sovereignty matters.

According to the President's statement, the logistical requirements for such a vote are significant. The process would require 60 days of preparation to organize the ballot effectively. Furthermore, a prerequisite for the vote is a ceasefire by the invading military forces. This condition ensures that the referendum takes place in a secure environment, free from active hostilities that could impede voter participation.

During the press encounter in Kiev, President Zelensky identified the specific hurdles preventing an immediate consensus on the peace plan currently promoted by the United States. The disagreements center on two critical strategic assets.

The first major issue involves the Donbas region. Zelensky noted that the proposed plan conflicts with Ukrainian interests regarding the withdrawal of troops from this area. The second critical point of contention is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The management and control of this facility remain a complex subject within the negotiations. These two factors constitute the main obstacles to the peace initiative.

The confirmation of the referendum requirement underscores the Ukrainian government's commitment to democratic legitimacy in resolving the conflict. By insisting on a public vote, the leadership ensures that any concession or agreement reflects the will of the people.

The involvement of the United States in drafting the peace plan highlights the international dimension of the conflict. However, the specific demands regarding Donbas and Zaporizhzhia illustrate the gap between external diplomatic proposals and the on-the-ground realities perceived by Ukraine. The path forward remains dependent on bridging these specific geopolitical divides.

President Zelensky's reiteration of the referendum requirement signals a clear stance: Ukraine will not accept a peace deal without direct public approval. The conditions set—60 days of preparation and a ceasefire—outline a rigorous path toward a potential end to the war.

Ultimately, the success of any peace initiative depends on resolving the contentious issues of the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Until these points are addressed to the satisfaction of Ukrainian interests, the prospect of a ratified agreement remains contingent on further diplomatic breakthroughs and the eventual will of the Ukrainian electorate.