Ukrainian President sets conditions for resignation

Accordingly, at the press conference, when asked if he was ready to resign if it ensured peace for Ukraine, President Zelensky said: "If (it ensures) peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for (membership in) NATO".

The Ukrainian president has previously said his country's military would need to double in size if NATO rejects the country's membership. Earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kiev's entry into NATO was unrealistic.

President Zelensky’s comments came as the situation regarding the Russia-Ukraine war is developing rapidly at the negotiating table. However, instead of Ukraine and Europe also participating, both Russia and the US – which have been promoting the negotiations – have affirmed that it is not the right time for Kiev and Brussels to participate.

On the Ukrainian side, President Zelensky said his country would not accept talks between Moscow and Washington in Riyadh last week because Kiev was excluded from discussions between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Besides, Ukraine is still seeking support from the US, UK and many other Western countries in resolving the conflict with Russia through solutions that benefit Kiev.

With the US, this country is said to be seeking to negotiate on mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees from Washington. Speaking at a press conference on February 23 regarding this issue, Chief of Staff of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said: "We are continuing dialogue with our partners. No one is refusing anything, we are conducting a normal working process." Many sources believe that the US and Ukraine will be able to reach an agreement on minerals in the near future.

Meanwhile, in a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on February 22, Mr. Zelensky received assurances that London would fully support Ukraine and would promote issues to ensure security for Kiev.

On the ground, on February 24, the Ukrainian government said that in just one night, Russia launched a record number of 267 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky emphasized that it was the largest attack by UAVs by the Russian military since the beginning of the war.

“We must do everything we can to bring lasting and just peace to Ukraine. This can be done in the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all Europe, the strength of the United States, the strength of all those who want lasting peace,” Zelensky said on the social network X.

Previously, in an interview broadcast on February 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to withdraw if Ukraine was approved to join the EU and NATO.

Accordingly, when asked if he was ready to leave the presidency if necessary to reach an agreement beneficial to Ukraine, President Zelensky said: "For peace, I am ready to do anything. If tomorrow Ukraine is accepted into the EU and NATO, if the Russian army withdraws and we receive security guarantees, I will no longer be needed."