Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he will step down if the country is granted membership into NATO, or if it would result in a peace deal.
Zelensky, a former comedian who 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.”
Zelensky has been a regular fixture on the world stage since Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country began in 2022, including numerous trips to Washington, DC.
The US has provided nearly $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the start of the war, funds President Trump has made overtures about clawing back via deals to mine the country’s rich natural resources.
