Zelenskyy announces condition for stepping down: 'I am ready to resign from my post'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he is ready to resign from his presidential post in order for his country to achieve peace.

However, he explained that for him to take this significant step, his country's NATO membership must first be realized. Zelenskyy expressed that the issue of NATO membership would be included in negotiations, but that he does not yet know how it will conclude.

While making these statements, Zelenskyy expressed that he does not want to see US President Donald Trump merely as a mediator, stating, "That is not enough." Furthermore, rejecting claims regarding a 500 billion dollar debt Ukraine owes to the US, Zelenskyy emphasized that grants provided to his country should not be considered as loans.

STATEMENT ON TURKEY FROM ZELENSKYY

While drawing attention to the importance of Turkey's role in the NATO membership process, Zelenskyy also touched upon his recent meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Stating that Erdoğan has always supported Ukraine's NATO membership, Zelenskyy said that gaining Turkey's support is of critical importance for Ukraine.

It was noted that in this meeting, Erdoğan reiterated his views on Zelenskyy's NATO membership, as he had in 2023. Stating that "Ukraine is focused on its security right now, not 20 years from now," Zelenskyy said that his desire to continue his presidency for 10 years was not a "fantasy."

THE ROLE OF THE US AND NATO

Zelenskyy reiterated his demand for NATO membership as the country that needs to be at the negotiating table, and expressed that NATO is a critical security guarantor for Ukraine. Underlining that the US is Ukraine's main supporter during the war process, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Washington's involvement in the negotiations.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's goal is not just to become a NATO member, but that this process is also vital for Europe, saying, "We must not forget that we are a part of Europe." He argued that European leaders should continue to invite Ukraine.

APPROVAL PROCESS FOR NATO MEMBERSHIP

Reminding that the approval of every member country is required for NATO membership, Zelenskyy said that other countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia have also been requesting to join NATO for years. It is stated that Turkey's strong support in this process could play a decisive role in Ukraine's admission to NATO.