Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that he is willing to step down if it guarantees peace for his country, even suggesting he could exchange his resignation for Ukraine’s NATO membership.

“If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO,” Zelensky stated during a press conference on February 23.

His remarks come as tensions rise between Kyiv and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump recently blamed Ukraine for igniting the war before later admitting that “Russia attacked.” However, he still held President Joe Biden and Zelensky responsible for not ending the conflict sooner.

In response, Zelensky accused Trump of being in a “disinformation space,” prompting Trump to call him a “dictator.” The exchange has further strained relations at a time when U.S. and Russian officials are engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions about a possible peace deal—talks that notably exclude Ukraine.

NATO Uncertainty and U.S. Military Support
Zelensky has warned that Ukraine’s military would need to double in size if NATO denies its bid for membership. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently called Ukraine’s accession to the alliance “unrealistic.”

Despite the diplomatic challenges, Zelensky emphasized a pragmatic approach in dealing with the Trump administration. “There is no space for emotions here,” he said, though he admitted Trump’s remarks about him were far from flattering.

Record Russian Drone Attack Escalates War
On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow launched a record 267 drones at Ukraine overnight, killing at least one person, Ukrainian officials said Sunday.

“This was the largest attack since Iranian drones started hitting Ukrainian cities and villages,” Zelensky noted, vowing that Ukraine and its allies must work together to secure a lasting peace.

U.S.-Ukraine Talks Over Critical Minerals
Zelensky also addressed ongoing negotiations with the U.S. regarding access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Washington is reportedly seeking agreements on critical resources as part of broader discussions on ending the war. In return, Kyiv is pushing for security guarantees.

While expressing hope for a successful agreement, Zelensky stressed that U.S. military aid should not be jeopardized. “I hope [the deal] will not influence other steps of the United States, and they will not cancel, stop, or freeze any support—especially military support to Ukraine. That’s crucial for us,” he said.

Can Zelensky and Trump Mend Ties?
Asked whether he believes he can rebuild his relationship with Trump, Zelensky underscored the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Ukraine partnership.

“For me, it is very important to have the support of the president, the Senate, Congress, and both parties. But first of all, the support of the American people,” he said. “I count on it very much and am thankful we have it.”

As the war grinds on, Ukraine’s path to peace remains uncertain, with Zelensky’s leadership, NATO ambitions, and U.S. relations all hanging in the balance.