Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is prepared to step down from his position if it would lead to a lasting peace for Ukraine and secure the country's long-sought NATO membership. The remarks came during a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, just a day before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“If my resignation is what it takes to bring true peace to Ukraine, I am ready to do it,” Zelenskyy said in response to a question from ABC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Ian Pannell. “If stepping aside means that Ukraine will be granted NATO membership and true security guarantees, then let’s move forward without hesitation. My priority is the safety and future of Ukraine, not my political career.”
Zelenskyy’s statement comes amid increasing tensions in diplomatic discussions regarding the future of the war. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has recently criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of holding onto power and preventing a swift resolution to the conflict. Trump has also claimed that Zelenskyy is an obstacle to peace and that his government should consider making significant concessions to Russia.
Tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy have escalated in recent weeks, particularly following diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Russian representatives reportedly discussed potential terms for ending the war—without Ukraine’s participation. Trump has accused Zelenskyy of delaying peace efforts and suggested that the Ukrainian leader should negotiate more aggressively with Moscow.
Additionally, the Trump administration has pushed for a controversial financial agreement that would require Ukraine to repay the United States $500 billion for military and humanitarian aid received since 2022. The proposal suggests that Ukraine could fulfill this obligation by allocating half of its revenue from natural resources—such as minerals, oil, and gas—along with revenues from ports and infrastructure projects. Trump has framed this deal as “back pay” for American support, but Zelenskyy has firmly rejected it.
At the press conference, Zelenskyy made it clear that he could not agree to the U.S. demands, emphasizing that the aid provided by the U.S. was originally granted as assistance, not as a loan to be repaid with interest.
“I will not agree to a deal that places an unbearable financial burden on future generations of Ukrainians,” he said. “Ukraine has received around $119 billion in aid since 2022, but demanding $500 billion in return is simply unrealistic. It’s not a fair deal, and we cannot accept such terms.”
A senior Ukrainian official told ABC News that Kyiv had instead proposed repaying $100 billion to the U.S., but Zelenskyy expressed reservations, highlighting that the original aid was approved through bipartisan agreements in Congress and not structured as a debt.Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, is currently engaged in negotiations with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to find a compromise. Reports suggest that the $500 billion repayment figure is no longer a primary focus of the discussions, with efforts shifting toward alternative financial arrangements.
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s best path to long-term security lies in NATO membership, arguing that it would be the most “cost-effective” way to protect the country from future aggression. He stressed that any peace agreement must come with binding security guarantees, ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
“We cannot afford to accept a temporary ceasefire that leaves us vulnerable to future attacks,” Zelenskyy said. “NATO membership is the only real solution that will prevent another invasion in five or ten years. We need lasting security, not just short-term relief.”
According to Ukrainian officials, the Trump administration has also urged Ukraine to withdraw its annual United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of 2022. Instead, U.S. officials have proposed a watered-down statement that does not explicitly blame Russia for the war. Ukraine has so far refused to comply, insisting that the international community must continue holding Russia accountable.
Meanwhile, Trump has focused his diplomatic efforts on pushing Ukraine to make concessions while applying little pressure on Russia. His approach has drawn criticism from both Ukrainian and European leaders, who argue that it effectively rewards Russian aggression.
Despite tensions, Zelenskyy remains hopeful that he can establish a constructive dialogue with Trump. He expressed gratitude for the continued bipartisan support Ukraine has received from the U.S. Congress, while also urging Trump to take a firm stance against Russia.
“I believe President Trump wants to end this war quickly, and on that, we fully agree,” Zelenskyy said. “But ‘peace through strength’ means standing firm against Russia, not making one-sided concessions. I want the United States to remain on our side, as a true ally. We need security guarantees, and we need them now—not in twenty years.”
Zelenskyy also emphasized that Trump’s term in office, like any presidency, is temporary, but Ukraine’s need for peace and security is permanent.“He [Trump] is not forever, but Ukraine must have peace for generations to come,” Zelenskyy said. “This is not just about my presidency; this is about the future of our nation.”
As Ukraine continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, Zelenskyy’s willingness to step down underscores the gravity of the situation. While he remains committed to securing Ukraine’s NATO membership and long-term security, challenges persist in negotiations with the U.S. and Russia. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the conflict and Ukraine’s place on the global stage.