Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that he’s ready to stop down from his position after criticism from President Donald Trump over suspended elections in the country.
Zelensky told reporters said he will step down from his position if the country is granted membership into NATO, or if it would result in a peace deal after Russia invaded in 2022.
Zelensky, has served as the war-torn country’s president since 2019, made the unexpected pledge at a Sunday news conference in response to a reporter’s question.
“Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine,” the 47-year-old leader said of his willingness to resign, adding that it was never his “dream” to remain president for another five-year term.
“If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that, and I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine.”
The US has provided approximately $200 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, funds President Trump has made requests about being repaid via deals to mine the country’s rich natural resources.