KEY POINTS
- Zelensky offers to resign immediately in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
- The Ukrainian President stresses the importance of the US security guarantees for Ukraine.
- The Ukrainian leader responds to Trump’s criticism, denying claims that Ukraine started the war.
- US and Russia prepare for second round of diplomatic talks.
- European allies express unease over Trump’s shift towards Moscow.
KYIV, Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said that he would step down from his post “immediately” if it meant Ukraine could secure NATO membership.
“If there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO,” Zelensky said during a press conference in Kyiv, adding that he would leave “immediately” if such a move would guarantee the country’s entry into the military alliance.
Zelensky also addressed ongoing discussions with US President Donald Trump. The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of the US providing tangible security guarantees for Ukraine and said he hoped for a deeper partnership beyond just mediation in the conflict with Russia.
“I really want it to be more than just mediation… that’s not enough,” Zelensky told reporters, noting that he was seeking a more active role from Washington in securing Ukraine’s position on the global stage.
Zelensky also pointed out the need for concrete agreements related to Ukrainian natural resources, particularly in the context of talks with the US. He mentioned “progress” in negotiations over a deal that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals in exchange for security assistance, with reports indicating that an agreement could be signed as soon as this week.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, confirmed that such a deal was in the works, telling CNN on Sunday, “Any peace deal, each side is going to make concessions. That’s what the president does best — he brings people together.”
Zelensky responds to Trump’s criticism
Zelensky’s comments follow a week of escalating tensions with Trump, who recently accused Ukraine of starting the war and described Zelensky as a “dictator” for cancelling elections due to the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky addressed these characterisations by stating, “I certainly would not describe the words Trump used as a compliment. One would be offended by the word dictator if he was a dictator. I’m not. I’m the legally elected president.”
Zelensky also responded to Trump’s claims regarding the financial aid Ukraine has received from the US. While Trump has cited a $500 billion figure, Zelensky denied the amount, stating that Ukraine does not owe Washington that sum.
He highlighted that the US has committed $114 billion in total support to Ukraine. Data from Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy also confirm the figure.
US security guarantees
During the press conference, Zelensky reiterated his call for US security guarantees, which could include the deployment of US troops in Ukraine. Such a move, he argued, would be a logical step if the minerals deal is finalised.
Meanwhile, Zelensky rejected suggestions that the US had provided grants to Ukraine as loans, referencing Trump’s criticisms of the Biden administration’s approach to aid.
Zelensky insisted that grants should not be viewed as loans, a stark contrast to the European Union’s provision of loans to Kyiv.
Russia, US prepare for next round of talks
On the international front, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that diplomats from the US and Russia are set to meet this week to discuss “topics which upset our bilateral relations.”
This follows a summit between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 18 February in Riyadh, which sought to explore options for ending the Ukraine war.
Despite the absence of Ukrainian representatives in the talks, European allies have rallied behind Zelensky, expressing concern that peace negotiations could progress without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Kyiv has insisted that any peace deal that does not include its participation will be unacceptable.
Zelensky was notably absent from a planned trip to Saudi Arabia earlier this week, citing his country’s exclusion from the negotiations as the primary reason.
European leaders have also voiced concerns that Trump’s recent rhetoric and talks with Russia may signal a shift away from Ukraine.
Trump-Putin summit
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ryabkov also confirmed that preparations for a face-to-face meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are underway.
This potential summit would mark a significant shift in US-Russia relations, with Ryabkov suggesting that the meeting could address broader global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“The question is about starting to move towards normalising relations between our countries, finding ways to resolve the most acute and potentially very, very dangerous situations, of which there are many, Ukraine among them,” Ryabkov said.
European allies react to US-Russia talks
European allies have rallied around Zelensky, nervous about Trump’s perceived shift towards Moscow and fears that peace talks could progress without Ukraine’s direct involvement.
This sentiment was amplified by Trump’s comments about Kyiv’s role in the war, with European officials expressing concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from discussions.
