Zelenskyy Says He Would Step Down To Secure Peace or NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to resign if it secures peace or NATO membership for Ukraine.

Quick Takes

Zelenskyy said he is willing to step down for Ukraine’s NATO membership or peace with Russia
Trump previously criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator” and questioning U.S. aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law, in place since 2022.
U.S.-Russia talks on the Ukraine war are ongoing, with a potential Trump-Putin summit.
Zelensky’s approval rating is reportedly slightly over 50%

Zelenskyy’s Offer

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed a willingness to resign from office if it would lead to Ukraine’s NATO membership or a peace deal with Russia. This statement comes as Ukraine marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, highlighting the ongoing conflicted between the nations.

Zelenskyy, who has been at the helm of Ukraine since 2019, emphasized that remaining in office was never his “dream.” Speaking to reporters, he said, “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.”

US Aid and Political Tensions

The United States has provided nearly $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. However, this substantial support has not been without controversy. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism of both the aid package and Zelenskyy’s leadership.

Trump has characterized Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” criticizing the delay in holding elections and questioning the Ukrainian leader’s approval ratings. These comments have added tension to an already complex diplomatic situation.

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

The NATO Question

Ukraine’s potential NATO membership has been a longstanding point of contention with Russia. Putin has used Ukraine’s NATO aspirations as justification for the offensive, while Zelenskyy views it as crucial for Ukraine’s security. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that Ukraine joining NATO is unlikely to be part of a negotiated settlement with Russia.

The Path Forward

As U.S. and Russian officials engage in talks about the war, with a potential summit between President Trump and Vladimir Putin on the horizon, Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance. Zelensky’s offer to resign adds a new dimension to these negotiations, potentially reshaping the diplomatic landscape.

The ongoing conflict has had far-reaching consequences, with Ukraine’s constitution prohibiting national elections during martial law, which has been in place since 2022. This has led to criticisms of Zelenskyy’s continued tenure, despite his landslide victory in 2019 with 73% of the vote.

As the war enters its fourth year, the international community watches closely to see how these complex negotiations will unfold, and whether Zelenskyy’s offer will lead to new developments in the conflict.