KYIV – In a stunning turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared his readiness to relinquish his presidency if it paves the way for peace and secures NATO membership for Ukraine. The announcement, made during a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, February 23, 2025, comes just one day before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the war. CGN Network brings you the latest on this dramatic development and its implications for Ukraine and the Trump administration’s global strategy.
A Historic Offer
Speaking at the “Ukraine. The Year 2025” forum, Zelensky responded to a reporter’s question about whether he’d step down if it meant peace for his war-torn nation. His answer was unequivocal: “Yes, I am happy, if it is for the peace of Ukraine. If you really need me to leave my post, I am ready. I can also exchange it for NATO, if there is such an opportunity.” The statement marks the first time Zelensky has publicly floated resignation as a bargaining chip, signaling a potential shift in Ukraine’s wartime strategy.
The timing is no coincidence. With Russia launching a record-breaking 267-drone attack overnight—the largest single assault of the conflict—Zelensky’s words underscore the mounting pressure on Kyiv. Coupled with recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia and President Donald Trump’s push for a swift resolution, the Ukrainian leader’s offer reflects a pragmatic pivot as his country faces battlefield exhaustion and shifting international dynamics.
The Trump Factor
Zelensky’s remarks come on the heels of pointed criticism from Trump, who last week branded him a “dictator” and insisted on Ukrainian elections as part of any peace deal—a demand echoed by Russia. Trump, fresh off his 2024 election victory, has made ending the Ukraine conflict a cornerstone of his foreign policy, reportedly pressuring Zelensky to negotiate while dangling a $500 billion minerals deal in exchange for continued U.S. support. Though Zelensky has resisted ceding Ukraine’s critical resources outright, he softened his stance Sunday, saying, “We are ready to speak about minerals,” but only if the U.S. forces Putin to “end this war.”
For Trump and his supporters, Zelensky’s willingness to step down could be a win—a chance to claim credit for brokering peace while sidestepping the thornier issue of NATO expansion, which Russia vehemently opposes. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user crowing, “Zelensky’s on a short leash now—Trump’s deal-making is ending the gravy train!” Yet, the Ukrainian leader’s insistence on NATO membership as a condition complicates matters, given Trump’s lukewarm stance on the alliance and Putin’s red line against it.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Elected in a 2019 landslide, Zelensky has led Ukraine through unprecedented turmoil, earning global admiration for his defiance against Russia. But with martial law suspending elections and his term technically expired in May 2024, his legitimacy has been questioned by foes like Putin and now Trump. Domestic support remains strong—polls show around 65% approval—but cracks are showing as war fatigue sets in and the economy buckles under relentless Russian strikes.
Sunday’s drone barrage, which saw 138 drones downed and 119 jammed, was a grim reminder of the stakes. Zelensky called it “purely a means of intimidation,” yet his offer to step down suggests he’s weighing a high-stakes exit strategy. A summit with European leaders in Kyiv on Monday, February 24, could clarify his next moves, with Zelensky hinting at “concrete decisions” on weapons and sanctions.
What’s Next?
The road ahead is fraught. Russia’s demand for Ukrainian neutrality clashes with Zelensky’s NATO gambit, while Trump’s push for a ceasefire and elections could force Kyiv into concessions it’s long resisted—like ceding occupied territories. Merz’s conservative victory in Germany, celebrated by Trump, adds another layer, potentially strengthening a transatlantic conservative bloc that could back a deal. Still, Merz’s pro-Europe stance might temper any U.S.-led rush to compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty.
For now, Zelensky’s offer hangs in the air—an olive branch or a desperate bid, depending on who’s watching. At CGN Network, we see it as a testament to Trump’s influence: a world leader bending under the weight of America First diplomacy. Whether it leads to peace or a new phase of conflict, one thing’s clear—Ukraine’s fate, and Zelensky’s legacy, are on the line. Stay with us as this story unfolds, delivering the unvarnished truth from a perspective that puts American strength first.