Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday, February 23, that he is “ready” to resign as president if it would guarantee peace for Ukraine, even suggesting he could exchange his resignation for NATO membership.
During a press conference, when asked if he would step down to ensure peace, Zelensky responded, “If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.”
His remarks come amid escalating tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially accused Ukraine of starting the conflict with Russia before acknowledging that “Russia attacked.” Trump also blamed Zelensky and former U.S. President Joe Biden for not preventing the war sooner. Zelensky countered by accusing Trump of being in a “disinformation space,” prompting Trump to label Zelensky a “dictator.” This exchange has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations at a critical juncture in the conflict.
Recent talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia about potential paths to end the war excluded Ukraine, causing concern among European allies. Zelensky has previously emphasized the need to double Ukraine’s military strength if NATO denies its membership, a prospect U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently deemed unrealistic.
Zelensky described his approach to dealing with the Trump administration as “pragmatic,” stating, “There is no space for emotions here.” He also addressed Trump’s critical remarks about him, saying, “Obviously, I would not say President Trump’s words about me are compliments, to say the least.”
The Ukrainian president’s comments followed a massive overnight drone attack by Russia, which launched a record 267 drones at Ukraine, killing at least one person. Zelensky condemned the attack, calling it “the largest attack since Iranian drones started hitting Ukrainian cities and villages.” He stressed the need for international unity to achieve lasting peace, saying, “We need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who wants a lasting peace.”
Zelensky also discussed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and natural resources in exchange for security guarantees. He expressed hope that the U.S. would not freeze military support to Ukraine during these negotiations, emphasizing that such support remains crucial for Ukraine’s defense.
When asked about repairing his relationship with Trump, Zelensky emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships between nations, stating, “That’s why, for me, it is very important to have the support of the president, and support of senate, congress, your two parties, but first of all the support for your people. And I count on it very much and I am thankful we have it.”
