KYIV – In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to resign if it would secure peace for Ukraine or lead to the country's admission into NATO. Zelenskyy's remarks came during a press conference in Kyiv, a day before the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Responding to a question from ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Ian Pannell, Zelenskyy stated, "If achieving peace for Ukraine truly requires my resignation, I am prepared to step down. We can exchange it for NATO membership. If those are the terms, then let's act swiftly. My focus is on Ukraine's security today, not 20 years from now, and I have no intention of remaining in power for a decade."
Zelenskyy's comments follow accusations from former President Donald Trump, who labeled him a dictator for allegedly obstructing elections and impeding the end of the war in Ukraine. Trump warned, "Zelenskyy better move fast, or he's not going to have a country left," after recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which notably excluded Ukraine.
Trump's administration is pressuring Zelenskyy to sign a contentious deal requiring Ukraine to pay the U.S. $500 billion, financed by half of Ukraine's natural resource revenues, including minerals, oil, gas, and infrastructure. Trump presents this as back pay for U.S. aid provided since Russia's 2022 invasion.
Zelenskyy has resisted signing the agreement, citing a lack of guarantees and asserting that the demanded amount is five times what the U.S. has given since 2022. According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the U.S. has committed approximately $119 billion in aid for Ukraine, encompassing military, financial, and humanitarian assistance.
In Sunday's press conference, Zelenskyy stated he wouldn't agree to the $500 billion demand, emphasizing that Ukraine received $100 billion in aid from the U.S. He criticized the draft deal's terms, which would have Ukraine repay $2 for every dollar received. "I seek a fair dialogue with President Trump," Zelenskyy remarked, "I'm not endorsing something that future Ukrainian generations will bear for the next 10 generations."
Senior Ukrainian officials indicated that Ukraine proposed repaying $100 billion to the U.S., but Zelenskyy expressed discomfort with this, noting the grants were approved by Congress without repayment expectations. Zelenskyy confirmed that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, is renegotiating with the Trump administration, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and the $500 billion figure is no longer under discussion. "We're making progress," he noted.
Zelenskyy reiterated that NATO membership remains the most cost-effective solution for Ukraine's security, stressing that any peace deal must include security guarantees to be viable and lasting.
Meanwhile, Trump officials are urging Ukraine to withdraw an annual United Nations draft resolution condemning Russia's 2022 invasion, advocating for a U.S.-sponsored statement that omits war responsibility. Ukraine has refused to withdraw the resolution, maintaining its stance.
While advocating for an end to the war, Trump has focused pressure solely on Ukraine, demanding concessions without placing comparable demands on Russia. Zelenskyy stated, "I believe that if we trust in what Trump says, it's the same goal: a swift end to the war. We agree on this point. However, 'peace through strength' should target Russia."
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enduring security, noting that Trump will not be in power indefinitely. "We need peace for many, many years," he concluded, expressing gratitude for the bipartisan support Ukraine has received from Congress.
