Zelensky claims he would resign if it means peace or NATO membership, says US mineral deal not good enough

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will step down if the country is granted membership into NATO, or if it would result in a peace deal.

Zelensky, a former comedian who has served as the war-torn country’s president since 2019, made the unexpected pledge at a Sunday news conference in response to a reporter’s question.

“Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine,” the 47-year-old leader said of his willingness to resign, adding that it was never his “dream” to remain president for another five-year term.

“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.”

Zelensky has been a regular fixture on the world stage since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country began in 2022, including numerous trips to Washington, DC.

The US has provided nearly $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, funds President Trump has made overtures about clawing back via deals to mine the country’s rich natural resources.