Zelensky Willing to Step Down for NATO Membership: A Bold Move for Peace

On Sunday, just one day before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he would consider stepping down as Ukraine’s president if it facilitated Ukraine’s entry into NATO.

His comments came as Russia’s TASS news agency reported upcoming talks between U.S. and Russian diplomats, following discussions in Riyadh between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Zelensky has encountered significant criticism from the newly installed U.S. administration, expressing a desire to meet with Donald Trump before the American president meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian leader has been advocating for NATO membership for Ukraine as part of any peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict, but the alliance, led by Washington, has hesitated to make such commitments.

“At this point, if it leads to peace for Ukraine, I am ready to step aside if needed. I would trade my position for NATO membership,” Zelensky stated at a press conference in Kyiv, emphasizing his willingness to depart ‘immediately’ if required.

Following high-level talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia last week, a war of words erupted between Zelensky and Trump. This diplomatic engagement raised concerns in the West about isolating the Kremlin while angering Ukrainian and European leaders who were not included in the discussions.

Over the past week, Trump has labeled Zelensky a “dictator,” inaccurately asserted that Ukraine initiated the war, and contradicted independent polls by claiming Zelensky is unpopular in Ukraine.

In response, Zelensky indicated that he’s not “offended” by Trump’s remarks and is prepared to measure his popularity through elections once martial law in Ukraine is lifted.

«One could feel offended by being called a ‘dictator’ if they actually were one,» he remarked during the press conference.

Zelensky further expressed a strong desire for mutual understanding with Trump, underscoring the necessity of “security guarantees” from the U.S. president.

He also urged Trump to meet with him prior to any discussions with Putin, noting that there had been «progress» towards a deal that would grant the United States preferential access to Ukraine’s vital resources.

As Russia continues its military advances and extensive airstrikes, the Kremlin has taken pleasure in the diplomatic tensions between Trump and Zelensky.

Previously, the Kremlin characterized the dialogue between Trump and Putin—described by spokesman Dmitry Peskov as two “extraordinary” leaders—as potentially “promising.»

While Zelensky persistently seeks long-term security support and Trump advocates a peace agreement, it remains uncertain whether U.S. initiatives can bridge the gap between Moscow and Kyiv for a truce.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on the same day, called for a peace settlement in Ukraine that respects its «territorial integrity.»

In light of Trump’s significant policy shift, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to visit Washington this week to argue for continued support for Ukraine.