Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned to ABC on Sunday to answer President Donald Trump’s blistering criticism and press his case for additional support from the United States. The interview came after Trump accused Zelensky of refusing to make peace with Russia.

Trump criticized Zelensky after announcing a deal with Russia to sell diesel to the United States. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump blamed the Ukrainian president for prolonging the war following Ukraine’s latest attack on a Russian oil export hub.

“I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump said. He also blamed Zelensky for high oil and diesel prices.

Trump doubled down later, saying Zelensky “should have an election.” Trump also said “Putin would like to see a settlement strongly,” but “Zelensky does not want to make a deal.”

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During his ABC interview with Jonathan Karl, Zelensky insisted that Russia was responsible for the war continuing. He called for a ceasefire and offered a straightforward condition aimed at halting attacks involving Russian diesel.

“Don't attack us. Don't kill our children. We will stop attacking your diesel. And I think it's fair, fair deal,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky rejected a ceasefire backed by the United States in February 2025. That episode occurred during an explosive meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office.

Zelensky also responded directly to Trump’s call for a new Ukrainian president. He maintained that the decision belonged to Ukrainians, even as the country remains under martial law and an election is barred.

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“President Trump said that that we need, Ukraine needs new president. So, first of all, with all due respect to President Trump, it's up to our society, up to our people, to choose one or another leader,” Zelensky said.

He argued that organizing an election during the war would be difficult and unsafe. Zelensky also claimed an election under the present circumstances would fall outside Ukrainian law and the country’s constitution.

“Yes, we are in war, and how to do elections is really difficult. Not only that it goes absolutely not secured and it goes out of our law, out of our constitution, but the main thing is to have security infrastructure for this to give possibility people to vote,” he said.

Zelensky said Ukrainians should decide when and how to vote and whom to choose. He also suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted a change in Ukraine’s presidency.

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Zelensky then proposed a specific arrangement under which Ukraine could organize an election. “So please tell Putin: give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, 60 days, and we will organize elections.”

The Ukrainian president also pushed back against Trump’s argument connecting Ukraine to higher oil and diesel prices. Zelensky blamed rising oil costs solely on the war with Iran and argued that Ukraine was simply an easier target for political pressure.

“These people can't find a key how to stop Putin, because it's more difficult to stop Putin than to pressure others, because it's more simple to speak about the prices and connect it with Ukraine,” Zelensky said.

Near the end of the interview, Zelensky appeared emotional as he appealed for continued support from the United States. His plea centered on continuing the fight and stopping Putin.

“We count that United States will help us to do this... I think this is the main goal to stop him. This is the main deal to stop this war, and we count on American support,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky then appeared to choke up while describing what he said Ukraine stood to lose. “We can't lose it, and the truth is on our side,” he added, nearly crying as he continued pressing Washington for help.

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