Willing to Give Up Presidency In Exchange for NATO Membership, Says Zelenskyy

Kyiv: On three-year anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday he was willing to give up his position if it meant peace in Ukraine, quipping that he could exchange his departure for Ukraine's entry into NATO.

Zelensky has faced strong criticism from the new US administration and expressed his desire to meet with Donald Trump before the US president meets Russian leader Vladimir Putin .

Zelensky expressed a desire for US President Donald Trump to be a partner to Ukraine, rather than just a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

During a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said, “I really want it to be more than just mediation... that's not enough,”

Ready to exchange my resignation, Says Zelenskyy

Zelensky has been urging for Ukraine's NATO membership as part of any peace deal to end the war. However, the Washington-led alliance has been hesitant to commit to such a pledge.

Zelenskyy on giving up his presidency said, “If it is absolutely necessary for me to leave my post, I am ready to do so." 

Ukrainian president added, "I can exchange it for NATO membership—if such conditions exist, then immediately, without prolonged discussions.”

"I am focused on Ukraine's security today and do not intend to remain in power for decades. This is probably my dream," he added.

Not Offended By Trump's Words, Says Zelenskyy

Zelensky and Trump have been exchanging harsh words since US and Russian officials held their first high-level talks in Saudi Arabia last week after three years.

Trump recently criticized Zelenskyy, claiming he avoids announcing elections out of fear of losing. He called Zelenskyy a "Dictator without Elections" and said the only thing he excelled at was playing Biden like a dictator.

Also Read: Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Needs 'Strong Agreements With The United States'

Reacting to this, Zelesnkyy said, “I am not offended by President Trump's words that I'am the dictator, because i am not. It's important what Ukrainian people think abut me.”

“I am not going to rule Ukraine for tens of years, and will not allow Putin, who's ruling tens of years, to rule parts of Ukraine” Zelenskyy added.

Zelenskyy said, "I really hope for mutual understanding with Trump," adding that "security guarantees" from the US president are "urgently needed."

US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his earlier attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that he is not essential to the negotiations to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump’s remarks came as he doubled down on his criticism of Zelensky.

In recent days, Trump has repeatedly targeted his Ukrainian counterpart, blaming him for the conflict and accusing him of tricking America into spending billions of dollars on the war during the previous Joe Biden -led administration.

(with agency inputs)