The Ukrainian President spoke at London Stansted Airport after meeting with European leaders and King Charles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he would step down as leader of his war-torn nation under one condition: Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
His remarks come as he confirms renewed discussions between his officials and Donald Trump’s administration following a tense and chaotic White House meeting.
Speaking at London Stansted Airport after meeting with European and world leaders, as well as King Charles, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine’s sovereignty is “not for sale.”
Despite resisting pressure from the Trump administration to step aside after their heated White House talks, he made it clear that he would relinquish his position if it secured Ukraine’s NATO membership, reports the Mirror.
“I am exchangeable for NATO,” he told reporters. “If my stepping down means Ukraine joins NATO, then I will have fulfilled my mission.”
The former actor-turned-politician has long pushed Western leaders to grant Ukraine entry into the alliance, arguing that NATO membership would provide stronger protection against Russian aggression. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned that Ukraine joining NATO is a red line, threatening severe consequences if it were to happen.
“Removing me won’t be easy,” Zelenskyy added. “Preventing me from running in elections would be a challenge. You will have to negotiate with me.”
When asked about reports that the UK and France are advocating for a one-month truce between Ukraine and Russia, Zelenskyy responded tersely: “I’m aware of everything.”
Regarding ongoing communication with the Trump administration after the explosive White House meeting—where Zelenskyy faced intense opposition, leading to the cancellation of a planned press conference—he confirmed: “There is communication, but not at my level.”
However, he refused to apologise for the breakdown of talks with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. When questioned about the minerals deal that fuelled the dispute, Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine was “ready to sign it.”
The embattled leader emphasised that any security guarantees must leave Putin with “zero percent chance of coming back.” He dismissed the notion of a simple ceasefire, insisting that without concrete guarantees, such a move would be a “trap” benefiting Russia.
“If we are only talking about a ceasefire, it will be a failure for everyone,” he warned, asserting that Russia would inevitably violate any fragile agreement.