Zelenskiy says he will step down if it ensures Ukraine’s peace

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that he is prepared to leave office if it guarantees peace for Ukraine, even suggesting that he would trade his departure for the country's entry into NATO, Reuters reported.

"If (it means) peace for Ukraine, if you need me to leave my post, I am ready," said Zelenskiy, appearing visibly irritated when asked about the possibility of stepping down to secure peace. He added, "I can exchange this for NATO (membership), if that condition is there, immediately."

Zelenskiy's comments come amid US President Donald Trump’s push for elections in Ukraine, branding him a "dictator" since his official five-year term expired in 2024. Russia has echoed this claim to question his legitimacy. However, under Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited during martial law, which was declared in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Trump has also falsely claimed Zelenskiy has a four per cent approval rating, though a recent poll puts his actual support at 63%. "I believe it's not a mistake, it's misinformation that has an impact," Zelenskiy said, calling the claims "dangerous."

Tensions over US-Ukraine relations

Trump’s criticism of Zelenskiy has intensified in recent weeks, with the Ukrainian president previously accusing him of being in a "disinformation bubble". On Sunday, Zelenskiy clarified that the misinformation about his approval rating was "spread by the Russians" rather than directly by Trump.

While Zelenskiy opposes holding elections during wartime — a stance backed by his political opponents — he expressed hope for a stronger partnership with Trump rather than just mediation between Kyiv and Moscow. "I want it to be more than just mediation... that's not enough," he said.

Dispute over minerals deal

Trump has suggested that Ukraine should repay the US $500 billion for previous aid by providing critical raw materials. Zelenskiy rejected this idea, stating, "There cannot be (any) format which makes us debtors for the old (aid given)."

Ukraine declined a US proposal last week offering Washington 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals, including graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium. However, negotiations continue, with Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, calling recent discussions with US officials "constructive."