Zelensky claims he’d resign for NATO membership or peace, as U.S. aid tensions mount
By isabelle // 2025-02-24
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  • Ukrainian President Zelensky offers to resign if it secures NATO membership or ends the war with Russia.
  • Zelensky faces criticism for suspending elections under martial law, with his term expiring in May 2024.
  • Zelensky urges continued U.S. military aid, calling it crucial for Ukraine's survival amid growing isolation and strained relations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signaled a willingness to step down if his resignation could secure NATO membership for Ukraine or bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia. The embattled leader made the surprising announcement during the “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum in Kyiv on Saturday, as tensions with the United States over military aid and resource demands escalate. Zelensky, whose presidential term expired in May 2024, has faced criticism for suspending elections under martial law, a move U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned. With American support waning under Trump’s administration, Zelensky appears to be grappling with the reality that the financial lifeline from Washington may soon dry up. Zelensky, a former comedian who rose to power in 2019, told attendees at the forum that he is prepared to leave office if it benefits Ukraine. “If peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, then I’m ready. I can exchange this for NATO, if there are such conditions,” he said. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that his focus is on Ukraine’s immediate security, not on retaining power for decades. This statement comes as Zelensky faces mounting pressure from Trump, who has labeled him a “dictator without elections” and criticized his refusal to hold elections despite the expiration of his term. Trump has also questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky’s leadership, pointing to his low approval ratings and the suspension of democratic processes under martial law.

U.S. aid and resource demands

The relationship between Zelensky and Trump has grown increasingly strained, particularly over U.S. demands for repayment of military aid. The Trump administration has proposed a $500 billion deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals and other natural resources as compensation for the nearly $66 billion in military aid provided since Russia's invasion in 2022. Zelensky has rejected the proposal, calling it a “debt” that would burden future generations of Ukrainians. “I am not ready to pay off 500 [billion]. And I am not even ready to fix it at the 100 [billion mark], because I will not recognize grants as debts,” he said. The Ukrainian leader argued that such a deal would take 250 years to repay, leaving ten generations of Ukrainians in debt. Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Zelensky, accusing him of prolonging the conflict to maintain power. “A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. The president has also suggested that Ukraine’s lack of elections undermines its democratic legitimacy, a point Moscow has echoed. Despite the tensions, Zelensky has expressed hope for continued U.S. support, particularly military aid, which he described as “crucial” for Ukraine’s survival. He also urged Trump to meet with him before engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has shown no signs of backing down from his territorial ambitions in Ukraine. As the war enters its third year, Zelensky’s offer to resign underscores the growing desperation in Kyiv. With American aid under threat and no clear path to victory, the Ukrainian leader is finding himself increasingly isolated on the global stage. Trump’s hardline stance on accountability for U.S. assistance reflects a broader sentiment among Americans weary of funding a seemingly endless conflict. Zelensky’s willingness to step aside for peace or NATO membership may be a calculated move to salvage Ukraine’s future, but it also highlights the precariousness of his position. As the U.S. and Russia continue to negotiate behind the scenes, the fate of Ukraine—and its leader—hangs in the balance. Sources for this article include: RT.com NYPost.com CNN.com
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