Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told a press conference that he would “give up” being President of Ukraine in exchange for peace. “Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine,” he said.
His comments came after President Donald Trump called the Ukrainian President a “dictator without elections” earlier in the week.
“If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that, and I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He added that he would step down “immediately” if necessary.
Ukrainian legislation bans elections during martial law, which has been in place since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.
Few Ukrainians support the idea of a poll at a time when Russia’s invasion has forced millions to flee abroad, and when Ukrainian soldiers are fighting and dying on the frontline.
Speaking on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy said that he is focused on Ukraine’s security now, not in 20 years.
He reiterated his desire for security guarantees to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position during so-called peace talks.
The Ukrainian leader said that NATO “is the cheapest option” and said it is “still on the table” even though Russia has said Ukraine joining the defensive alliance would pose a “direct threat” to it.
He insisted that a deal made without Ukraine’s direct involvement in talks would not be recognised.
Zelenskyy added that he wanted to see Trump as a partner to Ukraine and more than a simply a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. “I really want it to be more than just mediation… that’s not enough,” he told the press conference.
The Ukrainian President has invited Trump to Ukraine and he wants him there “very much”, but he said this “unfortunately” has not been achieved yet.
He stressed on the need for US security guarantees. “Security guarantees from Trump are much needed,” he stated, calling for mutual understanding.
Also, Zelenskyy noted, “We would really like it as a priority for the US to first talk to us, then to Russia.”
“They can discuss whatever they want in their relations…but it is not possible to decide anything about Ukraine without us. We will not recognize any such agreements, regardless of format.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine ‘Making Progress’ With US On Resources Deal
When asked about a deal on US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, Zelenskyy remarked, “We are making progress.”
He added that Ukrainian and US officials had been in touch about the deal earlier in the day. “We are ready to share,” the Ukrainian leader said, but made clear that Washington first needs to ensure Vladimir Putin “ends this war.”
The White House National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, said on Friday, February 21, 2025, that Zelenskyy was expected to sign a deal imminently. Zelenskyy said the same day that Ukrainian and US teams were working on a draft agreement. “I am hoping for … a fair result,” he said.
Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff told a news agency on Sunday that the agreement to tap Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals could be “signed this week.”
“Any peace deal, each side is going to make concessions. That’s what the President does best — he brings people together. He gets them to understand that the pathway to peace is concessions and consensus building.”
Steve Witkoff
Meanwhile, EU and world leaders are due to head to Kyiv tomorrow to show their support for Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discuss security guarantees.
Zelenskyy said at the press conference that he hopes tomorrow’s meeting will be a “turning point.” “We need partnership, we need help but we can’t lose our independence, we can’t lose our dignity,” Zelenskyy said.
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