Ukrainian President Says He Would Leave Position for Peace or NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he would be willing to step down in exchange for peace in Ukraine or NATO membership.

Key Insights

Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to resign if it leads to peace or Ukraine’s NATO membership.
The statement comes amid ongoing war with Russia and U.S.-Russia talks.
Ukraine’s potential NATO membership remains a contentious issue with Russia.
Former President Trump criticizes Zelenskyy and U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Negotiations for a U.S.-Ukraine mineral rights deal are underway.

Zelenskyy’s Comments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared his readiness to step down from his position if it would bring about peace for Ukraine or secure the country’s membership in NATO. This revelation comes as the conflict with Russia approaches its third year, with no clear end in sight.

Zelenskyy, who has led Ukraine since 2019, told reporters when questioned, “Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine.” He further elaborated, “If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that, and I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine.”

Zelensky claims he would resign if it means peace or NATO membership, says US mineral deal not good enough https://t.co/tNOXtxEmT5 pic.twitter.com/OHFR4sZSP4

— New York Post (@nypost) February 23, 2025

NATO Membership: A Contentious Issue

Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership have long been a point of tension with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has used Ukraine’s NATO ambitions as justification for the invasion, while Zelenskyy views membership as crucial for Ukraine’s security. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that Ukraine joining NATO is unlikely to be part of any negotiated settlement with Russia.

Reports indicate that without NATO admission, Ukraine might need to double its military size, placing an enormous burden on the country’s resources and population.

U.S. Support and Political Tensions

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the United States has provided nearly $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This substantial support has become a point of contention in U.S. politics, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the extent of financial assistance to Ukraine. Trump has argued that the U.S. contribution far exceeds that of European nations and has questioned President Biden’s handling of the situation.

The relationship between Zelenskyy and Trump has been particularly contentious, with Trump recently referring to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and criticizing the delay in Ukrainian elections. Ukraine’s Constitution prohibits national elections during martial law, which has been in place since 2022 due to the ongoing war.

Mineral Rights Deal and Future Prospects

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, the Trump administration is reportedly attempting to negotiate a deal for U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral rights. This potential agreement is seen as a way to offset the costs of military aid. Retired Gen. Keith Kellogg visited Ukraine to discuss the deal, though no confirmation of an agreement has been made. Zelenskyy’s office insists that any such deal must be mutually beneficial.

As U.S. and Russian officials engage in talks about the war, with a potential summit between President Trump and Vladimir Putin on the horizon, Zelenskyy’s offer to resign adds a new dimension to the diplomatic landscape. The Ukrainian leader has suggested that Trump should meet with him before any encounter with Putin, highlighting the complex web of international relations surrounding the conflict.