Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls from US officials for him to resign as the president of Ukraine.
His remarks follow suggestions from Republicans, including Senator Lindsay Graham and Speaker Mike Johnson, that he should step down after a contentious Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump on Friday.
The Ukrainian president made these comments during a conversation with a small group of journalists before departing from the UK this evening.
When asked by Sky News’ chief world news presenter Yalda Hakim, Mr Zelenskyy stated, «I can grant [Lindsay Graham] Ukrainian citizenship, and he will then become a citizen of our country.
«His opinions will carry more weight, and I will consider his views as a Ukrainian citizen regarding who should be the president.»
«The selection of the president of Ukraine should not be decided in Lindsay Graham’s residence, but in Ukraine,» he added.
Mr Zelenskyy did mention that he would consider stepping down under one condition – if his resignation leads to Ukraine joining NATO.
«I am willing to be traded for NATO membership,» he remarked.
«If I am exchanged for NATO accession, then I have fulfilled my duty. NATO membership signifies the fulfillment of my mission.»
However, he added, «Replacing me will not be simple because merely holding elections won’t suffice. You would have to prevent me from participating, which will be more challenging.»
Pic: Reuters
Mr Zelenskyy confirmed that there have been discussions between Ukraine and the Trump administration since the confrontation on Friday, but «not at my level».
Senator Graham, a Republican and a close ally of Trump, criticized the meeting as a «complete disaster» during a press conference on Friday.
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Asked whether Mr Zelenskyy should step aside, he said: «He either needs to resign or send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.»
Zelenskyy’s meeting with King Charles
The Ukrainian president’s 90-minute sit down with the media this evening came shortly after he wrapped up a tough week with a visit to see the King at Sandringham.
Mr Zelenskyy flew to Sandringham, Norfolk in a helicopter on Sunday afternoon after attending a security summit with Sir Keir Starmer and numerous world leaders in central London.
People – some holding Ukraine flags – gathered outside Sandringham to try to witness his arrival. A military helicopter could be seen flying low before descending over the estate at around 5.25pm.
Pictures released after the meeting show Charles and Mr Zelenskyy shaking hands by the entrance to the royal home. The pair chatted briefly before heading inside, where they posed for more photographs.
Their meeting lasted just under an hour, Sky News understands.
Mr Zelenskyy’s difficult few days began on Friday, when his day at the White House with Mr Trump was cut short after their meeting in the Oval Office descended into a fiery shouting match.
The pair had been due to sign a minerals deal and hold a joint press conference – but both events were called off after their tense exchange, fuelled in part by comments from vice president JD Vance.
Read more:
What Ukrainians think of the Trump row
What did Vance say to Zelenskyy?
UK, France and Ukraine work on peace plan
As White House officials scrapped the day’s schedule, Mr Trump described the meeting as «very meaningful» in a post on his Truth Social platform.
He wrote: «I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.»
Meanwhile, in an interview on Fox News, the Ukrainian president said the row was «not good for both sides» and refused to apologise.
Mr Zelenskyy then jetted to the UK where he met with Sir Keir and oversaw the signing of a new loan deal to support Ukraine’s war efforts on Saturday.
His war effort was further boosted today when Sir Keir Starmer announced a new deal to allow Ukraine to use £1.6bn of UK export finance to buy 5,000 more air defence missiles.
His comments were in response to calls from Republicans, including Senator Lindsay Graham and Speaker Mike Johnson, who suggested he should resign from his position following a heated exchange with Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The Ukrainian president made these remarks during a meeting with a small group of reporters before leaving the UK. When asked by Sky News’ lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim, Mr. Zelenskyy joked about giving Lindsay Graham Ukrainian citizenship and hinted at the importance of Ukraine’s citizens choosing their own president. He also mentioned that he would consider stepping down in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership. However, he emphasized that his resignation would not be easy, as it would require more than just holding elections. Despite communication between Ukraine and the Trump administration after the clash, Mr. Zelenskyy clarified that it was not on his level. Senator Graham criticized the meeting as a disaster, while Mr. Zelenskyy discussed his potential resignation for NATO membership. His meeting with reporters followed a visit with King Charles at Sandringham, where he had just attended a security summit with Sir Keir Starmer and other world leaders in London. Picture date: Sunday March 2, 2025. Joe Giddens/PA Wire»/>
