Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has agreed only to a one‑day ceasefire to allow Ukraine to hold a national vote, far short of the 60 days he has said is needed, according to an interview published by Axios on 17 February.
Zelenskyy spoke as new trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US were underway in Geneva on efforts to end the war.
Russia offered one day for a national vote
He said that while Russia verbally indicated some willingness to pause fighting for a vote, its proposal was limited to a single day rather than the extended period Ukraine considers necessary for organizing a national referendum alongside presidential elections.
The president described the Russian offer as “absurd,” suggesting it reflects a lack of genuine readiness for peace.
Kyiv has stressed that any ceasefire must be stable and long enough to allow safe voting and political processes, and Russia’s current position falls well short of those conditions.
Ukraine has faced pressure from both Russia and Trump to hold national elections. Such elections are generally prohibited under wartime laws, and attempts to proceed could create significant legal and security challenges for Kyiv.
Ukrainians would reject giving up territory
Zelenskyy also addressed the broader negotiations, saying that Washington and Kyiv agree any deal must be put to the Ukrainian people. He said Ukrainians would reject a plan that involved giving up territory, and reiterated that front‑line positions could be acceptable if formalized in an agreement.
"We don't have time for all this shit"
According to Axios, Russia’s lead negotiator has changed, with presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky now heading the delegation. Zelenskyy expressed concern that this shift could slow progress or revert talks to earlier stages rather than producing substantive outcomes.
Zelenskyy noted that Medinsky, like Putin, tends to philosophize on the “historical roots” of the war, adding, “We don't have time for all this shit. So we have to decide, and have to finish the war.”
Geneva talks to resume on 18 February
Military‑to‑military discussions in Abu Dhabi have produced some agreements on a US‑led ceasefire monitoring mechanism using drones, Zelenskyy said, though Russia has resisted involving European partners in that system.
Talks in Geneva between Ukraine, the United States and Russia are expected to continue on 18 February.
