When Was Zelensky Ready to Resign?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was willing to resign in February to end Russia's military aggression, according to the Washington Post.

"I am not trying to hold on to power. If it's just a matter of my departure, and it will stop the bloodshed, then I am for it. I would leave right now. I did not enter politics for this. I will leave when you say if it will end the war," the newspaper cites Zelensky.

The article notes that Zelensky also received calls from U.S. and European officials about the need to maintain the continuity of power. In some cases, they offered assistance regarding leaving the capital. Officials believed that by securing his safety, Zelensky could prevent a vacuum of power.

Additionally, Zelensky doubted that some of his foreign interlocutors genuinely wanted the conflict to end as quickly as possible, fearing that his government might effectively surrender to Russia. "None of those who called me believed that we would hold out," Zelensky said.