Kyiv, Feb 24, (V7N) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he would be willing to step down if Ukraine were granted NATO membership, emphasizing his commitment to securing peace for his country. In a press conference on Sunday, Zelenskyy said, "If you really need me to leave my post for peace in Ukraine, I am ready. I can exchange this for NATO membership if that condition is there."

However, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO seems increasingly unlikely, especially with former President Donald Trump’s shift against U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Trump has taken a more cautious stance on NATO membership for Ukraine, particularly after his team negotiated with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia without involving Ukraine or its European allies.

Zelenskyy also strongly criticized a proposal by the Trump administration suggesting that the U.S. could gain control of Ukraine's vast mineral reserves in exchange for continued military aid. The Ukrainian leader rejected the deal, which would require Ukraine to repay the military aid it has received to defend itself against Russia. Zelenskyy stated that the actual amount of aid provided was much lower than the $500 billion claimed by Trump.

For the deal to make sense, Zelenskyy suggested the U.S. would need to deploy its own troops to Ukraine as a safety guarantee, a condition both Trump and President Joe Biden have avoided. While Biden has supported Ukraine with significant aid, he has ruled out sending U.S. troops directly into combat with Russian forces.

Despite Zelenskyy’s harsh criticism, Trump's representatives remain confident that the deal will be finalized this week. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, indicated that the deal could be signed soon, despite Zelenskyy’s reservations. Witkoff also claimed that the war in Ukraine was provoked by actions such as discussions about Ukraine’s NATO membership, which he suggested created a threat to Russia.

Relations between Zelenskyy and Trump have soured in recent days. Trump has labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator" and criticized Ukraine for postponing elections during the ongoing war. When asked if Putin should be called the same, Trump avoided the question.

Source: CNN

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