Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed on Sunday his willingness to step down as president if it would secure peace for Ukraine or facilitate the country's entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This statement was made during a press conference when asked if he would consider resigning to ensure Ukraine's peace.
"If it guarantees peace for Ukraine, if they truly need me to resign, I'm ready. I can trade it for NATO," said the 47-year-old leader, emphasizing his ambition to end the war. He also highlighted that his current focus is on Ukraine's security now, not in the distant future, and mentioned that it is not his "dream" to remain president for decades.
Zelensky described his approach to the Donald Trump administration as "pragmatic." "There's no room for emotions here," he remarked in response to a query about Trump's comments on him. "Obviously, I wouldn't say President Trump's words about me are compliments, to put it mildly."
During the press event, he invited the U.S. President to visit Ukraine and expressed his willingness to travel to the United States for a meeting with the American leader. While he appreciated the support from both the Biden and Trump administrations, Zelensky stressed his desire for understanding and security assurances from President Trump to aid Ukraine.
His remarks came in the wake of an unprecedented assault by Russia, which launched 267 drones against Ukraine ahead of the third anniversary of the conflict between the two nations. Zelensky claimed that his citizens are living under "aerial terror" and alluded to an upcoming meeting of European leaders in Ukraine on Monday to discuss strategies "for the coming weeks." "There are some strong decisions to be made," he noted.
The path to ending the conflict has been fraught with tension. Recently, the Ukrainian leader faced a barrage of comments from his American counterpart, who labeled him a "dictator without elections." Trump called Zelensky a "modestly" successful comedian and accused him of convincing the United States to spend $350 billion on a war that couldn't be won and shouldn't have started.
The Republican leader claimed success in negotiating an end to the conflict with Russia but excluded Ukraine from the discussions held between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the war's conclusion. Last Tuesday, Trump stated that Ukraine could have avoided the conflict by reaching an agreement.
Zelensky, however, warned that the U.S. President is a victim of misinformation propagated by Moscow, affecting his perception of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In a press briefing, the Ukrainian president revealed a controversial U.S. proposal that suggested Ukraine should relinquish 50% of its natural resources without receiving any security guarantees in return.
NATO Membership and Ukraine's Security
What did Zelensky say about resigning?
Zelensky stated he would be willing to resign if it ensured peace for Ukraine or aided the country's entry into NATO.
How did Zelensky respond to Trump's comments?
Zelensky described his approach to Trump's administration as pragmatic, dismissing Trump's comments as non-compliments.
What recent actions has Russia taken against Ukraine?
Russia launched 267 drones against Ukraine, marking an unprecedented attack ahead of the third anniversary of the conflict.
What was the U.S. proposal mentioned by Zelensky?
The proposal suggested that Ukraine should give up 50% of its natural resources without receiving security guarantees in return.