Zelenskyy to Quit for NATO?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Zelenskyy offered to step down immediately if Ukraine secures NATO membership.
• He sought security guarantees from Trump against Russia’s invasion.
• Zelenskyy stated he’s willing to leave office for peace in Ukraine.
• An agreement on security assistance in exchange for Ukrainian resources is expected with the US.
• Zelenskyy insisted on Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks with Russia.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Sunday that he would ‘immediately’ step down as Ukraine President if it meant securing NATO membership for the country. Zelenskyy considers Ukraine’s membership in NATO to be crucial for the country’s security. He urges quick action.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said, “If there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.” He also said that he would step aside ‘immediately’, if required. Zelenskyy wants to ensure Ukraine’s security through NATO. He emphasized the urgency of the situation.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy urged United States President Donald Trump to understand Ukraine’s position and provide concrete security guarantees to support its defense against Russia’s invasion. He requested Trump to become an ally for Ukraine. Zelenskyy needs Trump to understand the situation.

Zelenskyy also said he wanted to see Trump as a partner to Ukraine and more than simply a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. Zelenskyy wants US assistance for Ukraine’s security. He seeks a strong partnership.

Speaking ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-blown aggression in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said that his country and the Trump administration were nearer to an agreement on US access to Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for security assistance. This agreement could benefit Ukraine both economically and militarily. The possibility of an agreement raised hope.

After Russian forces made their fastest advances in Ukraine last year since the 2022 invasion, Donald Trump expressed his intent to broker a peace deal, citing the heavy loss of life in the ongoing conflict. Trump expressed his desire to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He wants peace for everyone.

Trump and Zelenskyy have lashed out at each other publicly after the US President accused his Ukrainian counterpart of starting the war with Russia. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in a “disinformation bubble”. Relations between the two leaders have been strained. Both leaders had different points of view.

Zelenskyy has also dismissed the outcome of recent US-Russia talks in Riyadh, where both nations agreed to initiate joint efforts toward peace negotiations. Zelenskyy firmly said that there would be “no talks behind Kyiv’s back”. Ukraine wants to be involved in any agreement with Russia. His statement shows he’s serious.

Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on February 12, focusing on improving bilateral relations and seeking a resolution to Moscow’s ongoing war with Ukraine. As part of these diplomatic efforts, officials from both nations convened in Riyadh on February 18 to further discussions. The talks were focused on a lasting solution.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Zelenskyy offered to step down for NATO membership.
• He sought security guarantees from Trump for Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy said he could leave office for peace.
• An agreement on security assistance from the US is expected.
• He insisted Ukraine be involved in peace talks with Russia.

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