Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday, February 23, that he is “ready” to step down if his resignation would guarantee peace for Ukraine. He also suggested he could trade his departure for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
When asked during a press conference if he would quit to secure 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.”
Tensions with Trump and NATO Concerns
Zelensky’s remarks come amid escalating tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Ukraine of initiating the conflict. While Trump later acknowledged that “Russia attacked,” he blamed President Joe Biden and Zelensky for not ending the war sooner.
After Zelensky countered by accusing Trump of being in a “disinformation space,” Trump responded by labeling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator.” The exchange has strained U.S.-Ukraine relations at a critical juncture.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian officials recently held talks in Saudi Arabia regarding potential pathways to end the war—without Ukraine’s direct involvement. This exclusion has caused concern among European allies.
Zelensky has previously warned that Ukraine’s military would need to double in size if NATO rejects its membership bid. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described Kyiv’s NATO accession as “unrealistic.”
Despite the tensions, Zelensky maintained a pragmatic stance toward Trump’s administration, stating:
“There is no space for emotions here.”
Referring to Trump’s comments, he added:
“Obviously, I would not say President Trump’s words about me are compliments, to say the least.”
Record Drone Attack on Ukraine
As the war approaches its third anniversary, Russia launched a record-breaking 267 drone strikes against Ukraine overnight, killing at least one person, Ukrainian authorities reported on Sunday.
Zelensky condemned the assault, calling it “the largest attack since Iranian drones started hitting Ukrainian cities and villages.”
“Every day, our people are resisting aerial terror,” he stated.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of global unity in securing lasting peace, urging Europe, the U.S., and other allies to maintain their support.
U.S.-Ukraine Negotiations on Natural Resources
Zelensky also addressed an ongoing draft agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine regarding critical minerals and other natural resources. As part of broader negotiations to end the war, the U.S. seeks access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, while Kyiv is pushing for security guarantees.
The Ukrainian leader expressed optimism about finalizing the deal, while stressing the need to maintain military aid.
“We will sign this—the first agreement, or memo, memo on which base we will prepare other documents,” he said.
“I hope it will not have influence on other steps of the United States, and they will not cancel or stop or freeze any support, especially military support to Ukraine. That’s crucial for us.”
Hopes for U.S. Support Moving Forward
When asked if he could mend ties with Trump, Zelensky underscored the need for continued cooperation between their countries.
“For me, it is very important to have the support of the president, the support of the Senate, Congress, your two parties—but first of all, the support of your people. And I count on it very much, and I am thankful we have it.”
As Ukraine faces mounting challenges, Zelensky remains focused on securing the international backing necessary to bring stability to his war-torn nation.
