Bangkok: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to submit a 20-point peace plan to a national referendum if it includes a challenging decision on lost territory. In an interview with Axios, he emphasized negotiating a strong position on territorial terms, but remains open to seeking public approval if necessary.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy specified the need for a 60-day ceasefire to ensure the legitimacy and safety of such a referendum. He cautioned that an insecure ceasefire could affect voter turnout and undermine the referendum's validity. A senior US official noted that Russia acknowledges the need for a ceasefire but prefers a shorter duration than Kyiv's two-month request.

Zelenskyy underscored the significance of his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump, aiming for presidential-level negotiations to expedite the conflict's resolution. He stated that the discussions had progressed beyond initial levels, requiring direct engagement to conclude swiftly.

The Ukrainian president confirmed nearing completion of several US agreements, documented across five or six papers. He contested the US-proposed 15-year security guarantee duration, advocating for a longer-term agreement as a significant achievement. A conference call with Zelenskyy, Trump, and European leaders is scheduled to align on the ongoing talks before the in-person summit in Florida, aimed at discussing a draft document to end the Russia-Ukraine war and solidify security and economic agreements.