Ukraine's Leader: Ready to Step Down for Peace, but Not for Minerals

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that he would step down if it meant securing peace for his country. He even suggested that he could swap his position for Ukraine's membership in NATO. This bold statement came during a press conference where he was asked if he would resign to ensure peace. Zelensky's words highlight his commitment to ending the conflict, even if it means sacrificing his own role. Zelensky's remarks come at a time when tensions are high between Ukraine and the United States. The US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, recently stated that Ukraine joining NATO is not realistic. This contradicts the alliance's previous stance that Ukraine was on a clear path to membership. The situation is complicated by the fact that Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia's invasion, making elections impossible. The Ukrainian president also addressed a contentious issue: the US demand for a share of Ukraine's critical minerals. US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal where Ukraine would give the US $500 billion in rare earths and other minerals as repayment for the aid provided during the war. Zelensky firmly rejected this idea, stating that it would take 250 years to repay such a sum and that he would not sign anything that future generations of Ukrainians would have to pay back. The dispute between Trump and Zelensky has escalated recently. Trump has accused Ukraine of starting the conflict, although he later admitted that Russia was the aggressor. This has strained ties between the two countries at a crucial moment in the conflict. US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia for talks about ending the war, but Ukraine was left out, causing concern among European allies. Zelensky described his approach with the Trump administration as pragmatic, emphasizing that there is no room for emotions in this situation. He also addressed Trump's remarks about him, saying that they were not exactly flattering. Despite the tensions, Zelensky hopes for a successful agreement and continues to seek US support, especially military aid, which he considers crucial for Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with Russia launching a record number of drone attacks. Zelensky described the overnight attack as the largest since Iranian drones started hitting Ukrainian cities and villages. He emphasized the need for unity among all partners to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine. Zelensky's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, had to leave a forum early to discuss the agreement with American partners. He mentioned that progress was being made and expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support from the US. The situation remains fluid, with both sides working towards a resolution.