Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was asked what guarantees he needs from U.S. President Donald Trump and if he would be happy to “give up” being president of Ukraine in exchange for peace.
He responded: “Yes, I would be happy if it is for the peace of Ukraine,” he stated.
“If you need me to step away from this chair, I am ready to do so, and I could also exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine,” he expressed.
Zelensky said that he is focused on Ukraine’s security now, not in 20 years, adding that it is not his “dream” to remain president for decades.
Regarding negotiations to end the war, Zelensky said the topic of NATO membership will be “on the table,” but he does not know how “those discussions will end.”
“But it’s important that we all understand that this is not a table where Ukraine is invited,” he said.
“It is Ukraine that is ‘inviting European leaders because we are part of Europe,'” he added.
He emphasized that it is also important for American leaders to be there, “because they are our main help in this war.”
Zelensky stated that he is “grateful” for the support from both the Biden and Trump administrations.
He said that he seeks understanding and security guarantees from President Trump to help Ukraine.
He also mentioned that he has invited Trump to Ukraine and wants him to be there “very much,” but said, “unfortunately, we haven’t achieved this yet.”
