Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that he is prepared to “immediately” resign as president of Ukraine if it leads to peace or the country’s admission into NATO.
During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelensky stated, “If there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready…I can exchange it for NATO.” He emphasized that his focus is on Ukraine’s security today rather than in 20 years, noting that it is not his “dream” to remain president for a decade.
These remarks came in the wake of criticism from Donald Trump, who labelled Zelensky a “dictator” for not holding elections—a measure currently prohibited under Ukraine’s martial law. Recent reports indicate that Ukraine might be compelled to hold elections before a final peace deal is reached with Russia.
Trump claimed responsibility for the push for a Ukrainian presidential election, stating, “The demand for a Ukrainian presidential election came from me.” He further suggested that Ukraine bears some responsibility for the conflict, remarking, “You’ve been there for three years … You should have never started it. You could have made a deal.”
Russia and the U.S. agree to hold a second summit on Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the notion that Ukraine “owes” the US repayment for the military aid provided during the war. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions over a proposed deal that would transfer $500bn worth of Ukraine’s natural resources to the US in exchange for military support.
Zelensky stressed that any agreement should not require Ukraine to return the value of the aid already provided by Washington. However, he noted that a minerals deal is “moving forward,” while General Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy for Russia-Ukraine, indicated that a deal is expected to be signed this week.
