Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday, expressed his willingness to step down as president if it would bring peace to Ukraine.
In a quip, he suggested that his resignation could be traded for Ukraine’s entry into NATO, a move that has been a long-standing goal for the country.
Zelensky also emphasized his desire to see US President Donald Trump as a partner to Ukraine, rather than just a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.
He stressed that he wants a more meaningful partnership, saying “I really want it to be more than just mediation… that’s not enough.”
This sentiment was expressed during a press conference in Kyiv, where Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine and the US are nearing an agreement on US access to Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for security assistance.
In a significant development, Zelensky announced that US troop deployment in Ukraine is a logical step, given the ongoing security concerns.
He also expressed optimism about the progress being made, stating “We are making progress.”
However, he did sound a note of caution, warning that approximately $15 billion in previously pledged US military aid has yet to be delivered.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Zelensky is hesitant to sign a contentious minerals deal with Trump, which could see Ukraine giving away billions in critical elements and revenues.
A Ukrainian source told Daily Mail that there are “a number of problematic issues” that need to be ironed out before the agreement can be signed.
The source emphasized that the current draft does not reflect a partnership between the two countries and contains only unilateral commitments from Ukraine.
In a televised address on Friday night, Zelensky had hinted that a deal was imminent, saying “This is an agreement that can strengthen our relations, and the key is to work out the details to ensure its effectiveness.”
Trump also expressed optimism about the agreement, stating “We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time.”
However, the exact terms of the deal remain unclear, with Trump reportedly pushing for $500 billion worth of minerals in exchange for continued military support.
