I can be exchanged for NATO, - Zelenskyy

I can be exchanged for NATO, - Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he considers Ukraine’s membership in NATO his mission, and once again stated that he would leave office if the country is accepted into the Alliance.

He stated this in an interview with British journalists at Stansted Airport.

"As for stepping down – it won’t be easy to replace me. It’s not just about holding elections, but also about preventing me from staying. It’s a bit more complicated. It turns out that they would have to negotiate with me, and I said that I would change for NATO. That means I’ve fulfilled my task. If there is NATO and the war is over, then I’ve completed my mission," said the head of state.

Furthermore, he spoke about the pressure from international partners who, according to him, might try to influence Ukraine’s decisions. He criticized such approaches, noting that they contradict democratic principles.

"It looks like people (let’s not mention their positions, let’s just say – citizens of other countries) are telling Ukrainians who their president should be. Especially if these people hold official positions. Honestly, it seems unconstructive and undemocratic. Maybe it’s a way out for everyone – for Putin, and for everyone, if I’m not as flexible as they say. Well, yes, I’m changing for NATO, to be honest," Zelenskyy concluded.