Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he remains “ready to sign” a US-Ukraine minerals deal despite leaving the White House without an agreement following a contentious meeting with Trump.
Speaking in London after a European leaders’ summit, Zelensky emphasized that their fractious meeting only benefited Putin.
Refusing to discuss territorial concessions, he stated the “best security guarantees are a strong Ukrainian army.”
Responding to calls from Senator Graham that he resign, Zelensky quipped he is “exchangeable for NATO” membership, saying this would mean he had “fulfilled my mission.”
This should be a referendum. Zelensky has staked his reputation and legitimacy on winning this war. If the question is independence and more war or become a colony of Russia then a lot would be on board. If the question is become a colony of Russia and peace or become a colony of America and more war, I think that’s a tougher call to make.
You can not hold a referendum during an active war.
Why, the U.S. has had many elections during wars, many of which become a referendum on whether to stay in the war. The 1864 election had candidates openly advocating for ending the civil war. The 1968 election had multiple nominees on the democratic side advocating to end the Vietnam War, and the winner Nixon was campaigning on ending the war "with honor.
The people should have a say in whether there country continues a war, to say otherwise is undemocratic and patronizing.