Zelenskyy: My presidency could end if Ukraine secures NATO accession

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that he is "exchangeable" for Ukraine's NATO membership, suggesting he would be prepared to step down if the country were granted accession to the military alliance.

Speaking to reporters on March 2 evening after attending a summit in London hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy stated that achieving NATO membership would mean he had completed his mission as president. "I am exchangeable for NATO," he told Sky News’ Yalda Hakim. "I have said that I am exchanging for NATO membership, then it means I have fulfilled my mission. NATO means I have fulfilled my mission."

His remarks come as the war with Russia enters its third year, with pressure mounting from certain US political figures for him to step down. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have urged Zelenskyy to resign following a tense Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump on February 28.

However, the Ukrainian leader dismissed such calls, asserting that his removal would not be straightforward. "To change me, it will not be easy because it is not enough to simply hold elections. You would need to prevent me from participating. And it will be a bit more difficult," he said.

Zelenskyy also responded pointedly to comments from Graham, who described Oval House meeting as a "complete, utter disaster" and suggested that the Ukrainian president should either resign or send a representative with whom the US could negotiate. Speaking at Stansted Airport before departing the UK, Zelenskyy remarked: "I can give [Lindsey Graham] citizenship of Ukraine and he will become a citizen of our country. And then his voice will start to gain weight, and I will hear him as a citizen of Ukraine on the topic of who must be the president."

"The president of Ukraine will have to be chosen not in Lindsey Graham's home but in Ukraine," he added.

Meanwhile, he confirmed that communication between Ukrainian officials and Trump’s team had resumed following their contentious meeting but clarified that it had not taken place at his level.

In fact, Zelenskyy has said he remains willing to sign a minerals deal with the United States, despite leaving the White House without an agreement following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to "constructive dialogue" but stressed the importance of Ukraine's position being heard. "We want our partners to remember who the aggressor is in this war," he said.

The proposed minerals deal was initially seen as a step towards closer security ties between Kyiv and Washington. However, following a heated exchange involving Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, discussions broke down, and no agreement was reached.

To recall, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street on March 1, reaffirming the UK’s strong support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Starmer emphasised Britain’s “unwavering determination” to secure lasting peace, stating that Ukraine has full backing across the UK.

A key outcome of the visit was the agreement on a £2.26 billion loan to enhance Ukraine’s defence capabilities, with funds directed towards weapons production in Ukraine. The loan was confirmed by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, following a video call with Starmer, Zelenskyy, and British Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Zelenskyy praised the meeting as “meaningful and warm,” expressing gratitude for the UK’s continued support. His visit also coincided with preparations for a defence summit in London, where European leaders will discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. Starmer has indicated that a viable agreement would require US involvement.

Zelenskyy’s UK trip followed a tense encounter with former US President Donald Trump in Washington, where discussions on a minerals agreement ended abruptly after a heated exchange. The failure to finalise the deal underlined Ukraine’s concerns about securing reliable Western support.

By Aghakazim Guliyev