Why is President Zelenskyy willing to resign in exchange for NATO membership?

President Zelenskyy is willing to resign in exchange for NATO membership because he believes it would bring peace and security guarantees to Ukraine, which are crucial for the country's future amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.

What are the U.S. negotiations with Ukraine about, and how do they affect Zelenskyy's stance?

The U.S. negotiations involve a proposal for Ukraine to grant access to its rare earth minerals in exchange for continued aid. Zelenskyy is cautious about this deal, emphasizing the need for security guarantees rather than just economic benefits.

How does the U.S. policy shift under Trump affect Ukraine's position in the conflict with Russia?

The U.S. policy shift under Trump, including renewed diplomatic ties with Russia, has raised concerns in Ukraine about losing U.S. support and potentially being left vulnerable to future Russian aggression.

What role do European leaders play in supporting Ukraine during these negotiations?

European leaders are actively involved in supporting Ukraine by planning visits to Washington to persuade Trump not to abandon Ukraine in pursuit of a peace deal. They also plan to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss security guarantees.

9 sources·World

Zelenskyy Open to Resignation for NATO Membership as U.S. Talks Intensify

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy offers to step down to facilitate NATO membership and peace, amid tense negotiations with the U.S. over military aid and mineral rights.

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Bringing Ukraine into NATO was “pretty much impossible at this point.”}
Zelensky Fires Back at Trump’s Calls for Elections, Says He Would Step Down if Ukraine Can Have Peace or Join NATO
MEDIAite·25d
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Trump's recent remarks on Zelenskyy have apparently alarmed European leaders who have backed Ukraine throughout the war.
Trump set to meet with world leaders in DC during busy week as Russia-Ukraine peace talks continue
FOX News·25d
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Ultimately, Zelensky said, he is “not going to sign something that is bad for Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s Zelensky balks at mineral deal if it’s repayment for Biden-era US aid: ‘A grant is not a debt’
New York Post·25d
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The administration officials’ statements align with Trump’s recent words on the war that shocked European leaders.
Parroting Putin and Trump, Witkoff Says Russia Was 'Provoked' Into Invading Ukraine
Rolling Stone·25d
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Zelenskyy expressed concerns that a quick resolution pushed by Trump could result in Ukraine losing territory and remaining vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy willing to step down for NATO membership, seeks meeting with Trump
Straight Arrow News·25d
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One question is how badly Ukraine is squeezed if there is a deal: an official says it is “not negotiation, but extortion”.
Donald Trump makes Ukraine an offer it can’t refuse
The Economist·25d
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Feb 23rd, 2025, 7:33 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he would resign if it meant Ukraine joining NATO and achieving peace. He also expressed concerns over U.S. negotiations requiring Ukraine to cede economic rights. Trump is pushing for a rare earth minerals deal, but Zelenskyy demands security guarantees. Tensions rise with Trump criticizing Zelenskyy’s leadership while seeking a peace agreement that includes Ukrainian input. Ongoing discussions highlight Ukraine's complex relationship with the U.S. amid the protracted war with Russia and potential European implications.

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