Ukraine’s Zelensky Offers to Step Down for NATO Membership
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to resign his position for a NATO membership for Ukraine, Al Jazeera reports.
The move comes as Ukraine faces continued conflict with Russia and amid shifting dynamics in the relationship between Kyiv and Washington under the Trump administration.
“If [it means] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready,” Zelensky stated during a news conference in Kyiv on Sunday. “I can exchange this for NATO [membership], if that condition is there, immediately.”
The US is pursuing an agreement regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as a payback for a substantial aid for Kyiv.
Zelensky claimed that past financial assistance from the US was provided as grants, not loans, and that the arrangement for mineral access cannot be considered as a payback. US officials remain confident that a deal is within reach.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff noted Zelensky’s renewed commitment to facilitating US access to Ukrainian minerals after communication with President Trump, predicting a swift resolution. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this optimism, anticipating a finalized agreement this week.
These discussions occur amid improving relations between the US and Russia, with direct dialogue aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, following a recent meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed anticipation for progress in upcoming meetings between Russian and American teams to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations.
While these discussions between the US and Russia are underway, Zelensky has insisted his belief that any agreement concerning Ukraine must include Ukrainian representation.
