Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness to step down if it ensures peace for Ukraine and secures the country’s NATO membership, amid increasing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy made these remarks as Ukraine marked three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. His statement comes as Russian attacks intensify and the U.S. adopts a different stance on the conflict compared to the previous Biden administration.
“If it guarantees peace for Ukraine and NATO membership is the condition, I am willing to leave office,” Zelenskyy stated.
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Strained Relations Between Ukraine and the U.S.
Zelenskyy’s comments follow criticism from U.S. President Trump, who recently labeled him a “dictator” and questioned his domestic support. The Ukrainian leader had previously accused Trump of spreading disinformation after the U.S. president echoed narratives aligned with Moscow regarding the war.
While the Biden administration had provided steadfast support to Ukraine, Trump has proposed revising the terms of U.S. aid, making assistance contingent on Kyiv granting Washington access to its rare earth mineral resources. Initially, the U.S. sought a 50% stake in Ukraine’s mineral reserves in exchange for continued military aid.
Although Kyiv showed willingness to negotiate, Zelenskyy firmly dismissed Trump’s claim that Ukraine owed the U.S. $500 billion. He emphasized that past financial assistance was given as grants rather than loans.
“The $500 billion issue is off the table,” he clarified, adding that treating military aid as debt could set a dangerous precedent for Ukraine’s international allies.
Despite these tensions, U.S. officials remain hopeful about reaching an agreement. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated that a deal concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources was close, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism that negotiations would conclude within the week.
Meanwhile, Washington and Moscow have intensified direct negotiations to end the war. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that further discussions were planned.
However, Ukraine has been excluded from these talks, prompting Zelenskyy to assert that no agreement could be reached without Ukraine’s participation.
Largest Drone Attack Since the War Began
As diplomatic discussions continue, Ukraine faces one of the most severe waves of Russian strikes since the war’s onset.
Zelenskyy reported that Russia had launched 267 drones overnight—the most extensive drone assault recorded so far. Over the past week, Russian forces have fired nearly 1,150 attack drones, 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles, he noted.
“Every day, our people resist aerial terror,” Zelenskyy said, urging European and U.S. allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
According to Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat, air defense systems intercepted 138 of the 267 drones launched, while 119 failed to reach their targets. Several regions, including Kyiv, were hit.
On Saturday, a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed one person and injured five others, local authorities reported.
“The war continues. Everyone capable of assisting with air defense must work toward better protection of civilian lives,” Zelenskyy emphasized. “We must do everything possible to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, although hostilities date back to 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.
