Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he would be willing to resign if it would help his country achieve lasting peace or secure a place in NATO. “If you genuinely want me to leave my position for the sake of peace, I’m ready to do so. I can exchange that for NATO, if such conditions exist and immediately,” he remarked in response to a question from an ABC journalist. Zelensky emphasized that he is focused on Ukraine’s security “today, not in 20 years,” and has no intention of “staying in power for decades,” asserting that elections will take place right after the martial law is lifted.
Zelensky also pointed out that the U.S. aims to end the “hot phase” of the conflict by 2025; however, he is concerned that this could lead to “peace through strength, but a little in favor of Russia.” According to him, Washington is insisting on a ceasefire without security guarantees for Ukraine, which Kyiv cannot accept. Given that an invitation to NATO is unlikely, Zelensky sees alternatives such as securing external funding for the 800,000-strong national army, hosting foreign contingents, and Ukraine’s admission to the EU.
Regarding the deal with the U.S. concerning raw materials, Zelensky mentioned that it still lacks security guarantees. “The agreement was predicated on the notion that everything must be protected… You extract, we share, but do everything to ensure justice for us,” he stated. The president added that talks are ongoing, but he does not acknowledge a $500 billion debt to Washington, “like it or not.” Zelensky clarified that under Joe Biden, the U.S. provided Ukraine with $100 billion — in the form of grants rather than loans. “A grant is not an obligation. We will not repay grants… I will not sign anything that would burden ten generations of Ukrainians,” he stressed.
Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared his commitment to reclaiming funds spent on aid to Ukraine during the war with Russia, which Politico estimated at $350 billion. The Pentagon cited a different figure — $183 billion, clarifying that $58 billion of that amount was spent in the U.S. In the most recent version of the agreement, Trump proposed establishing a $500 billion fund controlled by Washington, into which revenues from the development of Ukrainian resources would be directed, distributing contributions at a two-to-one ratio. Due to Zelensky’s refusal to consent to the deal, the former American leader labeled him a “dictator” without elections, who chose war over peace. In response, the Ukrainian president stated that he harbors no ill feelings towards such comments, as only those who are actually dictators would take offense at being called one.