{"id":2525519,"date":"2025-12-27T13:38:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T18:38:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/zelensky-suggests-russia-is-planning-to-interfere-with-referendum\/"},"modified":"2025-12-27T13:41:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T18:41:08","slug":"zelensky-suggests-russia-is-planning-to-interfere-with-referendum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/zelensky-suggests-russia-is-planning-to-interfere-with-referendum\/","title":{"rendered":"Zelensky suggests Russia is planning to interfere with referendum"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fzelensky-suggests-russia-is-planning-to-interfere-with-referendum%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2525519&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has intelligence suggesting Russia plans to interfere with a prospective Ukrainian referendum on former President Donald Trump&#8217;s 20\u2011point peace plan by enabling residents in Russia and in Russian\u2011occupied territories to vote, then using those votes to dispute Ukraine&#8217;s legitimacy. The claim comes from a report by Ukraine&#8217;s Foreign Intelligence Service and follows Zelensky&#8217;s statement that he would hold a national referendum if Russia agrees to a 60\u2011day ceasefire. Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Trump at Mar\u2011a\u2011Lago to finalize the peace framework and a possible ceasefire timeline; Ukrainian negotiators insist territorial concessions are a &#8220;red line&#8221; and are pressing for robust U.S. security guarantees. He warned that any referendum would require safe skies and international observers, and urged European allies to supply more air\u2011defense systems. The warning came amid a massive Russian strike-nearly 500 drones and about 40 missiles-targeting Kyiv&#8217;s energy infrastructure and civilians, which Zelensky portrayed as Russia&#8217;s response to the peace talks.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Zelensky suggests Russia is planning to interfere with referendum on Trump peace plan<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2455896\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Ukrainian President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/volodymyr-zelensky\/\">Volodymyr Zelensky<\/a> on Saturday said he has reason to believe that <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/russia\/\">Russia<\/a> is planning to interfere with Ukraine&rsquo;s potential referendum on President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/donald-trump\/\">Donald Trump&rsquo;s<\/a> 20-point peace plan.<\/p>\n<p>The alleged plan is to allow Ukrainian citizens residing in Russia and territories temporarily occupied by Russia to vote on the peace plan, so that Russian President <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/vladimir-putin\/\">Vladimir Putin<\/a> can undermine future elections in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/ukraine\/\">Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4362840\/russia-attacks-kyiv-missiles-drones-ahead-of-ukraine-us-talks\/\">Russia attacks Kyiv with missiles and drones, killing 1 and wounding many ahead of Ukraine-US talks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4362782\/thailand-cambodia-peace-agreement-trump-pushed-ceasefire-broke-down\/\">Thailand and Cambodia reach new peace agreement after Trump-pushed ceasefire broke down<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4362587\/homs-syria-mosque-explosion-terrorist-attack\/\">At least eight killed in terrorist attack targeting Syrian mosque<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4362840\/russia-attacks-kyiv-missiles-drones-ahead-of-ukraine-us-talks\/\">RUSSIA ATTACKS KYIV WITH MISSLES AND DRONES, KILLING 1 AND WOUNDING MANY AHEAD OF UKRAINE-US TALKS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Zelensky made the assertion based on an intelligence report he received from Ukraine&rsquo;s Foreign Intelligence Service.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Russia&rsquo;s task is outlined like this: to bring up that a large number of people live there and supposedly have the right to vote, and all of this is only so that later they say that Russia does not recognize these elections,&rdquo; he <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ZelenskyyUa\/status\/2004932371057979399\">explained on X<\/a>. &ldquo;Russia does not care how to convey the message of the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities. Russia itself is illegitimate, and therefore it will convey messages regarding the illegitimacy of Ukraine&rsquo;s authorities.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The newly revealed intelligence comes after Zelensky <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2025\/12\/26\/zelensky-ukraine-plan-referendum-trump-meeting\">told <em>Axios<\/em><\/a>  he would call a national referendum on the peace framework if Russia agrees to honor a 60-day ceasefire. The prospect of a referendum depends on the outcome of Zelensky&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4362030\/trump-sights-peace-progress-netanyahu-zelensky-meetings\/\">planned Sunday meeting<\/a> at Trump&rsquo;s Mar-a-Lago resort.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/washington-secrets\/4362775\/trump-first-year-report-card-promise-keeper-or-nightmare-failure\/\">TRUMP FIRST YEAR REPORT CARD: A- PROMISE KEEPER OR &lsquo;NIGHTMARE&rsquo; FAILURE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The purpose of the meeting is to finalize the 20-point peace plan and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/zelensky-ready-to-bring-trumps-peace-plan-to-a-vote-in-ukraine\/\" title=\"Zelensky &#039;ready&#039; to bring ...&#039;s ... to a vote in Ukraine\">potential ceasefire timeline<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Ukrainian negotiators view the idea of territorial concessions given to Russia as a clear &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/syria-carnage-a-stark-reminder-of-failed-obama-foreign-policy\/\" title=\"Syria carnage a stark reminder of failed Obama foreign policy\">red line&#038;rdquo<\/a>; that may delay any discussions on ending the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine is pushing for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/trump-grants-major-security-guarantees-to-qatar-after-israeli-strike\/\" title=\"... grants major ... to Qatar after Israeli strike\">major security guarantees<\/a> that the United States would provide to discourage future Russian aggression.<\/p>\n<p>Both demands have remained key sticking points during the peace process with Russia. On Friday, Zelensky said he will raise the issues in his upcoming meeting with Trump.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine is skeptical of Russia&rsquo;s commitment to ending the war in light of the latter nation&rsquo;s series of strikes into Ukrainian territory. Russia launched its latest strikes against Ukraine early Saturday morning, firing nearly 500 drones and 40 ballistic missiles.<\/p>\n<p>Reports indicate the overnight strike targeted Kyiv&rsquo;s energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, killing at least one person and wounding more than two dozen other people.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3895131\/democrats-should-temper-expectations-2026-blue-wave\/\">DEMOCRATS NEED TO TEMPER THEIR EXPECTATIONS OF A 2026 BLUE WAVE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Another Russian attack is still ongoing: since last night, there have been almost 500 drones &ndash; a large number of &ldquo;shaheds&rdquo; &ndash; as well as 40 missiles, including Kinzhals. The primary target is Kyiv &ndash; energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Regrettably, there have been hits,&hellip; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OxBntAUgla\">pic.twitter.com\/OxBntAUgla<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy \/ &#1042;&#1086;&#1083;&#1086;&#1076;&#1080;&#1084;&#1080;&#1088; &#1047;&#1077;&#1083;&#1077;&#1085;&#1089;&#1100;&#1082;&#1080;&#1081; (@ZelenskyyUa) <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ZelenskyyUa\/status\/2004835962069676324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p>In a plea to his European allies, Zelensky argues Ukraine needs more <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >air defense systems supplied<\/a> to counter the continued Russian strikes.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Today, Russia showed how it reacts to the peace negotiations between Ukraine and the United States regarding ending Russia&rsquo;s war against Ukraine,&rdquo; he <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ZelenskyyUa\/status\/2004930950212296844\">said<\/a>. &ldquo;They massively attacked Ukraine. Precisely on the way to peace negotiations, Russia shows its response. Today, our most important consideration &ndash; if we take certain steps &ndash; is that security guarantees should be strong and we should be protected.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4362196\/zelensky-trump-peace-plan-vote-russia-ceasefire\/\">ZELENSKY &lsquo;READY&rsquo; TO BRING TRUMP&rsquo;S PEACE PLAN TO A VOTE IF RUSSIA AGREES TO 60-DAY CEASEFIRE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The wartime leader also makes the case that additional air defense systems are necessary to protect Ukraine if a referendum moves forward.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The skies must be safe, and security ensured throughout our territory, at least for the duration of the elections or a referendum,&rdquo; Zelensky said. &ldquo;And it is very important that observers are present everywhere.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Zelensky: Russia may meddle in Ukraine referendum<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2525520,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25352464559742.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[32119,20766,4280,6991,8630],"class_list":["post-2525519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-election-interference","tag-referendum","tag-russia","tag-ukraine","tag-zelensky"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/AP25352464559742.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2525519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2525519"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2525519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2525523,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2525519\/revisions\/2525523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2525520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2525519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2525519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2525519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}