Zelensky: Replacing Me as Ukraine’s Leader ‘Will Not Be Simple’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that replacing him as the country’s leader would not be easy, reiterating his willingness to step down if it meant securing NATO membership for Ukraine.

His remarks came after U.S. Republicans suggested he may need to resign, following a tense meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky at the White House on Friday. The discussion, centered on the ongoing war with Russia, saw Trump reportedly turning against the Ukrainian leader.

“If they replace me, given the situation and the support I have, it will not be simple,” Zelensky told British media. “It’s not just about holding an election. You’d have to prevent me from running, and that will be more difficult. Looks like negotiations will be necessary,” he added.

He reiterated his stance, saying, “I have offered to step down in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership. That would mean I have fulfilled my mission.”

The meeting between Zelensky and Trump ended without the anticipated preliminary agreement on sharing Ukrainian mineral rights. The fallout from the Oval Office discussions has sparked international reactions, with European leaders expressing support for Ukraine while U.S. Republican officials questioned whether Zelensky should continue leading the war effort.

Speaking to a leading media channel, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz suggested that a change in leadership might be necessary to bring an end to the war. “We need a leader who can work with us and, eventually, negotiate with Russia. If it becomes clear that Zelensky’s personal or political motivations are preventing progress, then we have a real problem,” Waltz said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also cast doubt on Zelensky’s ability to lead, saying, “Either he must come to his senses and negotiate in gratitude, or someone else should take charge.”

However, senior Democratic leaders have pushed back against such suggestions, accusing Trump of dangerously aligning with Russia. “Trump is inching closer to a full embrace of Putin’s agenda,” one Democratic official stated.

Zelensky has long insisted that Ukraine’s NATO membership should be a key element of any peace deal, but the alliance, led by Washington, has been hesitant to make a definitive commitment.

Trump previously dismissed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, saying in February, “Ukraine can forget about joining NATO in any settlement. That’s probably why this whole war started in the first place.”

Russia, which launched its invasion three years ago, has repeatedly cited the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO as a major justification for its military aggression.