Source: Zelensky in an interview with British journalists at Stansted Airport
Details: In response to a journalist's question, Zelensky discussed the possibility of his resignation and upcoming elections in Ukraine.
Direct speech: "As for stepping down, it won't be easy to replace me. It’s not enough just to hold elections; one must also ensure that I am not there. That’s a bit more complicated. It means that I would have to be negotiated with, and I have stated that I am trading myself for NATO. Therefore, I have fulfilled my task. If NATO exists and the war is over, it means I have accomplished my mission."
Details: Zelensky also commented on the pressure from international partners who, according to him, might be trying to influence Ukraine's decisions. He criticized such approaches, noting that they contradict democratic principles.
Direct speech: "It seems that people (let's not name their positions, let's say – citizens of other countries) are telling Ukrainians what kind of president they should have. Especially if these people hold official positions. Honestly, this looks unconstructive and undemocratic.
Maybe this is a way out for everyone – for Putin and for all, if I am not as flexible as they claim. Well, yes, I am trading myself for NATO, I honestly say."
Background:
- U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that the United States needs a Ukrainian leader who can engage with them and also with the Russians to end the war.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson also stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "needs to come to his senses and return to the negotiating table with gratitude, or someone else must lead the country to that."
- Recall that on Friday, a heated exchange occurred in the Oval Office between the presidents of Ukraine and the U.S. and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Trump, among other things, accused Zelensky of "gambling with World War III".
- European leaders and EU leadership publicly supported Ukraine after the quarrel between Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office.
- Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin continues to assert that a change in Ukrainian leadership is a prerequisite for negotiations with Russia, once again distorting Ukrainian legislation and questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.