According to a Reuters report, some Republican leaders in the U.S. have suggested that Zelensky should step down, but he dismissed such notions outright.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his determination to lead his country through the ongoing war with Russia, asserting that removing him from power would not be easy.
His remarks came in response to speculation about his potential resignation following a tense and highly publicized meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a report by Reuters, Zelensky met with European leaders in London on Sunday, just days after a contentious Oval Office discussion with Trump, where the former U.S. president accused him of being ungrateful for American military aid.
Despite the fallout from the meeting, Zelensky remained resolute, emphasizing Ukraine’s reliance on Western allies while maintaining that critical diplomatic discussions should remain behind closed doors.
A Fractured Diplomatic Front
Reuters reported that while speaking with reporters at a London airport, Zelensky acknowledged the challenges in his relationship with Washington but expressed hope that it could be salvaged.
“I think our relationship will continue,” he stated. However, he criticized the nature of the publicized meeting with Trump, saying, “The format of what happened, I don’t think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners.”
The Ukrainian leader, who was visibly shaken after the meeting with Trump, was greeted with strong support in London.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embraced him warmly upon arrival, signaling continued European backing for Kyiv. During Sunday’s summit, European leaders agreed to draft a Ukraine peace plan to present to Washington, in the hope of securing much-needed security guarantees that could deter further Russian aggression.
Despite the rift with Trump, Zelensky remained confident that U.S. assistance to Ukraine would not cease.
“The U.S. are leaders of the civilized world, and they will not help [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” he insisted. He further warned that halting military aid would only benefit Moscow, reaffirming Kyiv’s position that Ukraine would never cede occupied territories to Russia.
According to a Reuters report, some Republican leaders in the U.S. have suggested that Zelensky should step down, but he dismissed such notions outright. “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 in the elections, and it will be a bit more difficult,” he said, underscoring his firm grip on leadership amid growing political challenges.
Minerals Deal Still on the Table
A key issue that remained unresolved from Zelensky’s Washington visit was a much-anticipated minerals deal.
The agreement, which would have allowed the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rich deposits of lithium and rare earth minerals, was expected to be a potential incentive for continued American support.
As Reuters suggested, while the deal was not signed due to the abrupt end of his trip, Zelensky expressed optimism that it would still move forward. “We agreed upon signing it, and we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe the United States would be ready as well,” he remarked.
Trump, on the other hand, framed the deal as a way for Ukraine to repay the billions of dollars in military aid it has received from Washington. The issue remains a significant point of contention in the broader debate over continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s war effort.
Ukraine’s Stance on Sovereignty
While Zelensky sought to avoid further escalating tensions with the U.S., he took a firm stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty, unequivocally rejecting any notion of ceding occupied land to Russia.
“Everyone needs to understand that Ukraine will never recognize whatever is occupied by Russia as Russian territories,” he declared. He also stressed that Ukraine was counting on security guarantees that would prevent Russia from launching future invasions.
Despite the current diplomatic strains, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine’s path forward hinges on robust alliances with the West. He reiterated that Ukraine’s ultimate goal remains NATO membership, suggesting that achieving this objective would mark the completion of his mission as president.
As Kyiv navigates these turbulent waters, Zelensky’s defiant stance signals that he is far from willing to step aside. Whether his leadership will endure the mounting pressures from both Moscow and Washington remains to be seen, but for now, he stands firm: “To change me, it will not be easy.”