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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a dramatic offer to resign from his position in exchange for NATO membership for Ukraine, amid escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposal comes after Zelensky was notably excluded from initial peace discussions between Russian officials and White House representatives in Ryiad, prompting him to take his negotiating stance public.
During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelensky presented his conditional resignation offer, though he attached it to Ukraine’s NATO membership – a condition that Russia has consistently rejected.
“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 per London’s Daily Telegraph.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially stated that he is willing to step down as President in exchange for Ukraine's NATO membership. pic.twitter.com/WBeOlz3slI
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) February 23, 2025
The Ukrainian president’s remarks follow Trump’s recent criticism, where he labeled Zelensky a “dictator” for suspending elections during martial law. Responding to the accusation, Zelensky maintained his legitimacy while dismissing the insult.
“I wouldn’t call Donald Trump’s words a compliment… I wasn’t offended, but a dictator would be. I’m not. I’m the legally elected president,” he stated.
The prospect of NATO membership appears unlikely, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating, “The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement.”
Discussions have emerged about potentially using NATO membership as leverage in peace negotiations, suggesting automatic Ukrainian membership if Russia violates any future agreement, though Washington has yet to officially confirm this approach.
Addressing another contentious issue, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s mineral rights, which Trump has suggested could offset American war support expenses. Despite earlier indications of reluctance, Zelensky confirmed ongoing discussions with Washington regarding mineral agreements.
When the war in Ukraine finally grinds to a halt, leaving half the nation either rotting in graves or crippled for life, Volodymyr Zelensky will be lounging in Miami, swimming in billions of blood-soaked cash and yapping away on some shitty TV talk show like nothing happened… pic.twitter.com/5fz2mfggHU
— Richard (@ricwe123) February 21, 2025
Yet, he firmly rejected the notion of Ukraine owing America for its military support, stating he wouldn’t commit future generations of Ukrainians to such debt. He also insisted on meeting Trump before any potential discussions with Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky’s public negotiating strategy has reportedly frustrated Trump administration officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed particular displeasure with what he perceives as Zelensky’s inconsistent messaging.
In conversation with Catherine Herridge, Rubio revealed previous discussions about a mineral rights “joint venture” as an alternative to direct American military presence. He expressed frustration with Zelensky’s subsequent public denial of these talks, warning that Trump wouldn’t tolerate such negotiating tactics.
