ISTANBUL

The US aid to Ukraine was provided as grants, not loans, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, rejecting claims that $500 billion in assistance should be treated as debt.

Washington gave Kyiv $100 billion in aid during three years of war, Zelenskyy told reporters at a news conference, adding that they need to sign an agreement that will be a "win-win" for both the US and Ukraine and "pleasant" for both parties.

Zelenskyy expressed his readiness to leave his post "if it is absolutely necessary," adding he can exchange it for NATO membership if such conditions exist.

He further said that he was not offended by US President Trump calling him "dictator," adding that only a dictator takes offense at a "dictator."

The Ukrainian president said the Trump administration is not forever, "but we need peace for many years."