Volodymyr Zelensky has said for the first time he is ready to give up the Ukrainian presidency if doing so delivers peace and Nato protection.

The surprise declaration was made in a press conference ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Monday.

It follows fierce criticism from Donald Trump, who last week claimed Mr Zelensky was a “dictator” and indicated Ukrainian elections would be needed as part of any peace deal.

Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, agreed in a call on Sunday to put on a “united” front ahead of their visits to Washington, DC this week.

Mr Macron sees the US president on Monday followed by Sir Keir on Thursday. Both men have been pushing the idea of a European peace-keeping force in Ukraine after a ceasefire.

‘Very tough hand’

John Kerry, the former US secretary of state, has underscored the challenge facing Sir Keir ahead of his US trip, telling The Telegraph the UK has a “very tough hand” to play.

The last fortnight has left European leaders reeling after Trump administration figures opened up talks with Russia and indicated a scaling back of US security support for the Continent.

Mr Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader since 2019, was asked on Sunday “are you happy to leave the president’s chair if it brings Ukraine peace”.

Mr Zelensky replied: “Yes, I am happy, if there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready.

“I can also exchange it for [Ukraine’s membership of] Nato, if there is such an opportunity. I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”

Russia has repeatedly stated that Ukraine joining Nato is a red line, blaming the alliance’s expansion in eastern Europe for its invasion nearly three years ago.