Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says he’ll step down in exchange for NATO membership
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy ready to ‘step down’
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was willing to give up his position if it meant peace in Ukraine and NATO membership. Zelenskyy added he would like President Donald Trump to be more of a partner to Ukriane.
The Brief
A day before the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he’s ready to step down as Ukraine’s leader if the country can join NATO.
Zelenskyy and European leaders are trying to navigate rapid changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has upended years of firm support for Ukraine.
His comments came as Russia launched 267 strike drones into Ukraine overnight Saturday, more than in any other single attack since the war began. Zelenskyy and European leaders are also trying to navigate rapid changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has upended years of firm support for Ukraine and shifted toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What did Zelenskyy say about stepping down as president?
What they’re saying:
Asked whether he would trade his office for peace, Zelenskyy said, “If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready.”
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“I can trade it for NATO,” he said.
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Trump prompted alarm and anger in Ukraine when this week he suggested that Ukraine had started the war, and that Zelenskyy was acting as a “dictator” by not holding elections, despite Ukrainian legislation prohibiting them during martial law.
Why is Trump shifting toward Putin and Russia?
Dig deeper:
Trump’s shift on Ukraine has led to fears that he would join with Putin in Moscow to force a settlement to the war without involving Ukraine and its European backers.
Trump’s engagement with Russian officials and his agreement to reopen diplomatic ties and economic cooperation with Moscow marks a dramatic about-face in U.S. policy.
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Russia’s deputy foreign minister on Saturday said preparations were underway for a Trump-Putin meeting, a further sign that the Russian leader’s isolation, at least for the Trump administration, was beginning to thaw.
Zelenskyy has expressed fears that Trump pushing a quick resolution would result in lost territory for Ukraine and vulnerability to future Russian aggression, though U.S. officials have said that the Ukrainian leader would be involved if and when peace talks actually start.
