Payam Javan: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced he is prepared to step down from his position if it secures NATO membership for Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on February 23, 2025, Zelenskyy emphasized his readiness to resign immediately, stating, “If there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready. … I can exchange it for NATO.” This statement comes as Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, amid ongoing tensions with the United States and discussions about a potential peace deal involving Ukraine’s natural resources.

Zelenskyy’s offer follows a period of strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently labeled him a “dictator” and criticized Ukraine’s leadership. Despite this, Zelenskyy expressed a pragmatic approach, seeking security guarantees from Trump and highlighting the importance of NATO membership for Ukraine’s future. The Ukrainian leader’s comments coincide with negotiations over a proposed U.S.-Ukraine deal that could involve access to rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military support, though Kyiv insists on firm security commitments as part of any agreement.