Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced his willingness to resign if such action could bring peace to Ukraine or secure NATO membership for the country. Speaking at the 'Ukraine. Year 2025' forum on February 23, Zelensky emphasized his focus on current security issues rather than long-term power retention.
"If for peace in Ukraine, if you really need me to give up my position, I will be ready. The second scenario is I may exchange this for NATO membership for Ukraine, if such conditions exist," Zelensky stated during the press conference. He underscored his immediate commitment to the safety of Ukraine, stating, "I’m not planning to hold power for decades. That’s why this is clearly the focus and the dream I aspire to."
Zelensky reiterated the notion of NATO membership being the cheapest option to secure Ukraine's safety. He expressed the necessity of negotiating security guarantees with European and American partners. "We want to end the war. We want our partners to get Russia to the negotiating table. I truly believe President Trump wants to end this war and will help us do it—but peace through strength means directing our strength toward Russia first," he added.
Specific issues on the table include a debate with the United States over proposed agreements related to rare earth minerals. The U.S. has suggested Ukraine utilize its resources to repay military aid provided over the past three years. Zelensky responded to this proposal, stating, “Clearly, we are talking about debt, this is not investment. If this amount is moved to funds with nothing coming from abroad, then we’re repaying debt.” He argued, "We receive 100 billion USD and I don’t want to repay it at 500 billion USD. I’m not even ready to repay 100 billion because I won’t recognize such aid as debt. We should not repay all of the debts.”
Zelensky made it clear he believes repaying such amounts would plunge ten generations of Ukrainians under debt, rendering any such agreement unacceptable. This assertion came amid worsening relations between Ukraine and the U.S., following Trump's claim, calling Zelensky an ``unelected dictator'' who necessitated new elections. Zelensky's term officially ended last May, yet due to the wartime state of martial law, elections have been postponed.
Following his statements, Zelensky stated he received proposed agreements from Washington after his initial rejection of the draft, which involved significant sums—around 500 billion dollars. “We’ve got 100 [billion]. I’m not ready to repay 500 [billion]. And I’m not even prepared to fix it to 100 [billion], as I will not acknowledge grants as debts. We should not repay all debts," he claimed.
The continual war against Russia presents considerable challenges to Zelensky’s leadership, and his critics allege he is attempting to prolong hostility to maintain power. Russian officials, meanwhile, do not regard him as the rightful representative of Ukraine, stating he has no authority to sign any comprehensive peace agreements. This conflict has led to rising tensions with U.S. officials, as both parties were set to negotiate important deals.
Zelensky noted the upcoming international summit slated for February 24, drawing leaders from 13 partner nations who will attend physically and 24 others joining online. He suggested significant decisions could be made at this summit, stating, “Tomorrow's summit is significant. It could even be a turning point; let’s wait and see.”
Afterwards, he expressed hope for Trump to be more than just a mediator in the peace talks with Moscow, stressing he would prefer Trump to understand Ukraine's position and offer specific security guarantees to support them amid the conflict. Discussions surrounding possible agreements for U.S. access to Ukrainian natural resources are gaining traction, with speculation on military resource deployment.
Despite approaching agreements, Zelensky reiterated concerns over 15 billion dollars of previously committed U.S. military aid yet to be disbursed. His statements reflect the complex dynamics at play as Ukraine seeks to address its defense needs and another significant conflict negotiation.
He concluded, "We must see proper guarantees, or we risk facing more enormous debts and extended conflicts." Zelensky's statements highlight his commitment to the security of Ukraine amid the multifaceted challenges presented by both international negotiations and domestic pressures as the conflict drags on.