Ukrainian President Zelensky has signaled openness to holding a nationwide referendum on any peace agreement alongside presidential elections, contingent on a sustained ceasefire and security guarantees, amid ongoing U.S. pressure under the Trump administration for a deal by mid-2026. Legal restrictions under martial law prohibit such votes without legislative changes, while logistical challenges include voter displacement, occupied territories representing about 20 percent of the country, and the need for secure conditions over at least 60 days. Recent Russian State Duma elections incorporating annexed regions have been framed by Moscow as a de facto endorsement of control, coinciding with Putin's September 25 statements that all settlement proposals remain under consideration but require assessment of Russian interests. Negotiations could resume in October, with territorial concessions in Donbas as the central barrier.