Zelensky says he is prepared to call for a referendum on Trump peace plan with immediate ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that he is prepared to reach a framework peace deal with Russia when he meets with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend, which he hopes to bring up for a referendum in Ukraine.

Sunday's meeting between the two world leaders comes after Zelensky indicated a willingness to remove troops from an area in Donetsk, as long as Russia would as well, and create a “free economic zone.” 

Zelensky told Axios that he's willing to bring the possible peace plan up for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, stating that 60 days is the "minimum" he would need for his legislature to approve the proposal.

"I think now we are at the next level, and that's why we need to negotiate with presidents," he said. "We want to finish it as quickly as possible. That's why I count on this meeting."

Zelensky said he also hopes the meeting will use all the momentum that the previous team meetings have had to set a framework for ending the war, including a timeline for when the war would end.

The European leader also noted that Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are prepared to visit Ukraine to help promote the agreement, but also suggested that perhaps Trump himself should visit to make the case.

Zelensky additionally said that it was not clear if Russian President Vladimir Putin would sign off on the agreement.

"I have some intelligence," Zelensky said. "But I'm at the moment when I want to believe only the words of leaders." 

Trump appeared optimistic that both sides would agree to the peace deal, telling the New York Post Friday that he believes the three countries have a "good shot" at securing the deal with Ukraine on Sunday.

“I think they want to do it now, and I think that Russia wants to do it. But every time one wants to do it, the other doesn’t,” Trump said. "I settled eight wars, and this is the most difficult of them all. But I think we’ll get it done.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.