Zelensky Brushes Off Trump's 'Dictator' Comment, Says Only Dictator Would Be Offended

Kyiv: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has brushed off US President Donald Trump's comment calling him a "dictator" on Sunday. Zelensky responded, saying "only a dictator would be offended by the word dictator". Zelensky reiterated his commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine and expressed his willingness to give up his position as president if it meant securing peace. He also stated his desire to see Ukraine join NATO, saying he would be willing to exchange his resignation for NATO membership.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while shrugging off Trump's 'dictator' remarks asserted that he isn't offended, as the label doesn't apply to him. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelenskyy adopted a pragmatic tone, stating that he will maintain a practical approach to relations with the current US administration. "We'll coexist with the United States. We won't be dictators, it's simply not our interest," Zelenskyy asserted.

Earlier, US President Trump took to social media to criticise Zelenskyy. In his social media post, Trump called Zelenskyy “a dictator without elections” referencing Ukraine's delayed elections due to the ongoing invasion and martial law. Trump's comments sparked a sharp response from Zelenskyy, who accused the US President of living in a "Russian-made disinformation space". Zelenskyy also urged Trump's team to be more truthful in their responses.

Meanwhile, the exchange of words between the two leaders has raised the tension between the two nations. Moreover, Trump's pro-Russia approach has taken the entire European Union by surprise along with Ukraine. 

'Ready to Exchange My Resignation for Ukraine's NATO Membership'

Zelensky asserted his focus on Ukraine's security and reassured that he does not intend to remain in power for decades. He stated, "If it is absolutely necessary for me to leave my post, I am ready to do so. I can exchange it for NATO membership—if such conditions exist, then immediately, without prolonged discussions."

Zelensky Invites US Military to Protect National Assets

Zelensky also extended an invitation to the US military to protect Ukraine's national assets, asking rhetorically, "Why can't there be [American] boots on the ground where your business interests are present?" He explained his logic, saying that if economic agreements are part of a security guarantee, then it makes sense to have a military presence where business interests are present.

Zelensky Reveals Ukraine's Aid Figures

Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine has received USD 100 billion in aid from the US, matching the amount received from Europe. He clarified, "Not 500, not 350, not 250, not 700. 120 from Ukraine, 100 from Europe, and 100 from the USA."

EU Leaders To Hold Emergency Summit

Meanwhile, the European Union is set to convene an emergency meeting on March 6 to address the pressing issues surrounding Ukraine and Europe's security. The announcement of the meeting was made by European Council President Antonio Costa on Sunday, who asserted that the EU is currently facing a "defining moment" for Ukraine and European security. The meeting, scheduled to take place in Brussels, comes at a critical juncture, particularly since the Trump administration's recent shift in stance has upended years of US support for Ukraine and decades of commitment to defending European allies.

In a show of solidarity, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with other members of the EU's executive branch, will visit Kyiv on Monday. The visit coincides with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and aims to demonstrate the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine during this challenging period.

The emergency summit on March 6 is expected to bring together the leaders of the 27 European Union countries to discuss the next steps for Ukraine and Europe's security. Experts stated that as the EU navigates this critical moment, the summit will provide a platform for leaders to address the pressing concerns and forge a unified response to the evolving situation.