Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to step down if it meant bringing peace to his country, even suggesting he could trade his position for NATO membership.
At the same time, he pushed back against U.S. demands for Ukraine’s critical minerals and natural resources as part of the war negotiations.
During a news conference, the Ukrainian president responded to a question by saying, “If to achieve peace you really need me to give up my post—I’m ready. I can trade it for NATO membership if there are such conditions.”
Although Ukraine is officially on an “irreversible path” to NATO membership, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the idea of Kyiv joining the alliance earlier this month as impractical.
Zelensky’s comments also coincide with an intensifying conflict with US President Donald Trump, who has called him a “dictator” and chastised him for not having elections during the conflict.
Zelensky wants U.S. President as a partner
Zelensky expressed his hope that Donald Trump would act as a partner to Ukraine rather than just a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising over U.S. demands for access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources. The Biden administration has reportedly pushed for rights to billions of dollars’ worth of Ukraine’s minerals in return for continued military aid. However, Zelensky emphasized that past U.S. support had been provided as grants, not loans.
Under President Biden, the U.S. has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies, sending tens of billions in military assistance. But Trump has made it clear that he believes American aid should come with conditions—not as a free handout.
When asked about a potential mineral agreement, Zelensky acknowledged that discussions were ongoing, saying, “We are making progress.” He confirmed that Ukrainian and U.S. officials were in talks and signaled a willingness to “share” Ukraine’s resources.
However, he stressed that Washington must first ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin “ends this war.”
If Zelensky ultimately rejects a Trump-backed peace proposal that he deems unacceptable, it could significantly impact the direction of the war—and Ukraine’s future.
Why is Ukraine not a part of NATO?
An attack on one NATO member is an attack on all, according to Article 5. The alliance does not desire a direct confrontation with Russia, which could happen right away if Ukraine joined while at war with Russia.
In general, nations with unresolved territorial disputes are not admitted to NATO. Significant obstacles to membership are caused by Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Some NATO countries worry that Ukraine’s admission would worsen relations with Russia and spark a wider conflict. France and Germany have expressed reluctance to expedite Ukraine’s admission.
Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have advocated for quick membership, but NATO is unlikely to accept Ukraine anytime soon as long as the conflict is ongoing and geopolitical threats are severe.
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