Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Axios on Friday that he hopes to agree on a framework with President Trump for ending the war when they meet on Sunday.

Zelensky also revealed he’s willing to bring that plan up for a referendum if Russia agrees to a ceasefire of at least 60 days.

While Zelensky emphasized that great progress has been made, Trump’s plan still demands painful territorial concessions from Ukraine in the east. Zelensky is still hoping to improve those terms and said he’ll need to seek approval of the Ukrainian people if they can’t get to a “strong” position on territory.

The U.S. side sees it as a major step forward that Zelensky is willing to hold a referendum and is no longer ruling out territorial concessions.

But as Zelensky emphasized during the phone interview with Axios, holding such a plebiscite would have major political, logistical and security complications.

That’s why he thinks a 60-day ceasefire to arrange and hold the vote “is the minimum.” A senior U.S. official told Axios the Russians understand the need for a ceasefire if Zelensky calls a referendum, but want a shorter timetable.

Zelensky also said it’s not yet clear to him whether Russia is prepared to agree to Trump’s plan in the first place. “I have some intelligence … but I’m at the moment when I want to believe only the words of leaders,” he said.

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