Any compromises with Russia will require ‘referendum’

Agencies | Lviv

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Russia’s ultimatums for peace and said any compromises made with the country to end its invasion would need to be decided by Ukrainians by referendum.

“When you talk about certain changes and they can be historic, we are not going anywhere. We will come to the referendum,” Zelensky said in an interview with Eurovision News and Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne that aired yesterday.

“Our people will have to say and give an answer to certain formats of compromises which you mentioned before. What will those be? It will be defined by our conversation and understanding between Ukraine and Russia,” he said.

Zelensky was not referring to any specific plans for a referendum. He said Russia has given him ultimatums with demands that would lead to the end of war which, in over three weeks, has left scores dead and seen Ukrainian cities bombarded.

Russian demands of Ukraine in return for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal have included political neutrality, limited military strength, a guarantee to never join NATO, and recognition of the Ukrainian territories of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.