Zelenskyy Says He Would Resign for Peace or NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he would be willing to resign if it would ensure Ukraine’s entry into NATO or secure peace with Russia.

Key Takeaways

Zelenskyy offered to resign if it would lead to NATO membership or peace with Russia.
The U.S. has provided significant military aid to Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump have a contentious relationship, with Trump recently labeling him a “dictator.”
Ukraine’s NATO aspirations have been a significant point of tension with Russia.
Zelenskyy said that elections are not feasible due to the war and displacement.

Zelenskyy’s Stance

Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly stated he would relinquish his presidency in return for Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or to achieve peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia. When asked by a reporter if he would resign, he said, “Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine.” According to him, “If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that, and I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine.”

Zelenskyy, in office since 2019, also described his role as not being his “dream.”

Over the course of the conflict, Ukraine has received nearly $66 billion in aid from the United States. This aid underscores the significance placed by Western powers on Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy’s proposition coincides with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, adding weight to his statement.

Contentious Dynamics with Trump

The relationship between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump remains strained. Trump has criticized Zelenskyy, recently labeling him a “dictator,” and questioned his inability to hold timely elections due to war conditions in Ukraine. Trump’s assertions extend to negotiations, where he claims only he can mediate talks successfully with Russia, sidelining Zelenskyy’s leadership in the process.

Zelenskyy, meanwhile, asserts that holding elections remains impractical, given the country’s martial law and the ongoing territorial disputes. While critics, including Trump, argue for preplanning peace talks with Russia, Zelenskyy has pushed for securing commitments beneficial to Ukraine’s long-term security.

The U.S. has also recently been attempting to secure a deal with Ukraine to gain access to its earth minerals. However, Ukraine has been resistant to accepting, arguing that the deal doesn’t provide enough security assurances.

Zelensky claims he would resign if it means peace or NATO membership, says US mineral deal not good enough https://t.co/tNOXtxEmT5 pic.twitter.com/OHFR4sZSP4

— New York Post (@nypost) February 23, 2025

NATO Membership and Peace Efforts

Despite the myriad challenges, Zelensky’s offer adds a compelling dimension to discussions about Ukraine’s admission to NATO. Ukraine’s NATO ambitions underscore ongoing disputes with Russia, as President Putin has cited these aspirations to justify Russia’s military actions. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth argued that NATO membership might not be a feasible aspect of future negotiated settlements.

As tensions show little signs of abating, Ukraine faces pressure to navigate internal dynamics while aligning with Western allies. The prospect of NATO membership remains a pivotal issue, capable of altering the geopolitical landscape significantly and offering a beacon of stability for the war-torn nation.