Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to step down if it would secure Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
“If it brings peace to Ukraine, and if my resignation is necessary, I am prepared,” Zelenskyy stated during a press conference on Sunday, just ahead of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. “I would make that exchange for NATO membership immediately if that were the condition,” he added.
However, Ukraine’s path to NATO remains highly uncertain, particularly as recent shifts in U.S. policy have further complicated the prospect. Following remarks from a top U.S. defense official dismissing NATO membership as unrealistic for resolving the war, negotiations were reportedly initiated with Russian representatives—without input from Ukraine or European allies. Additionally, Zelenskyy criticized a proposal from the U.S. administration that linked continued support to Ukraine surrendering control over its mineral resources, rejecting any deal that required repayment of military aid provided for its defense. He also refuted claims that Ukraine had received $500 billion in assistance, stating the actual figure was significantly lower. The only scenario in which such an arrangement would make sense, he argued, was if U.S. forces were deployed to Ukraine as a security guarantee—an option that even leaders previously supportive of Ukraine aid have ruled out, maintaining a firm stance against direct military involvement.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to step down if it would secure Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
“If it brings peace to Ukraine, and if my resignation is necessary, I am prepared,” Zelenskyy stated during a press conference on Sunday, just ahead of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. “I would make that exchange for NATO membership immediately if that were the condition,” he added.
However, Ukraine’s path to NATO remains highly uncertain, particularly as recent shifts in U.S. policy have further complicated the prospect. Following remarks from a top U.S. defense official dismissing NATO membership as unrealistic for resolving the war, negotiations were reportedly initiated with Russian representatives—without input from Ukraine or European allies. Additionally, Zelenskyy criticized a proposal from the U.S. administration that linked continued support to Ukraine surrendering control over its mineral resources, rejecting any deal that required repayment of military aid provided for its defense. He also refuted claims that Ukraine had received $500 billion in assistance, stating the actual figure was significantly lower. The only scenario in which such an arrangement would make sense, he argued, was if U.S. forces were deployed to Ukraine as a security guarantee—an option that even leaders previously supportive of Ukraine aid have ruled out, maintaining a firm stance against direct military involvement.
