RT reported that on February 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suddenly declared his readiness to give up power if that helped Ukraine join NATO and end the conflict with Russia.
Speaking at the "Ukraine 2025" forum in Kiev on February 23, President Zelensky affirmed that he has no intention of taking power for many years.
If I can achieve peace for Ukraine, if I really need to leave this position, I am ready. I could trade that for Ukraine to join NATO, if I had the conditions. I focus on security for Ukraine right now, not 20 years from now, and I have no intention of holding power for decades," he said.
In addition, President Zelensky also mentioned the controversy with the US over a rare earth exploitation agreement, according to which Washington wants Kiev to repay military aid with revenue from natural resources.
He confirmed that he had received a new proposal from the US, after Kiev rejected the initial plan of up to 500 billion USD.
"This is clearly a debt, not an investment... If this money is transferred into the fund without anything from the outside, then we are just paying off the debt," Zelensky stressed.
He affirmed that Ukraine cannot accept this financial burden, because it will leave 10 generations of Ukrainians in debt.
Zelensky is facing criticism as his presidency ends in May 2024 but continues to rule without holding elections.
Russia has said it does not recognize him as the legal representative of Ukraine, while US President Donald Trump has recently criticized Zelensky as a "very low" president.
The "Ukraine 2025" forum took place on the night before the 3rd anniversary of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine (February 24, 2022 - February 24, 2025).
