Zelensky Open to Resigning for Peace and NATO Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he is willing to step down if it helps secure peace and Ukraine’s NATO membership. Speaking ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelensky said he would consider leaving office if it were a condition for peace.

"If to achieve peace you really need me to give up my post – I'm ready. I can trade it for NATO membership, if there are such conditions," he said during a press conference.

His remarks follow criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently referred to Zelensky as a "dictator without elections." In response, Zelensky, who was democratically elected in 2019, dismissed the comment, saying, "I wasn't offended, but a dictator would be."

Zelensky Prioritizes Ukraine’s Security, Discusses NATO and U.S. Relations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine’s immediate security, stating, “I am focused on Ukraine's security today, not in 20 years. I am not going to be in power for decades.” His remarks come as Ukraine remains under martial law, which has suspended elections since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

On Monday, Zelensky is set to meet with Western leaders—both in person in Kyiv and online—to discuss post-war security arrangements in light of uncertain U.S. commitments. He confirmed that Ukraine’s NATO membership would be a key topic but was unsure of the outcome, hoping the discussions would be a “turning point.”

Addressing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks calling him a “dictator without elections,” Zelensky dismissed the claim, saying, “I wasn’t offended, but a dictator would be.” He also expressed hope that a future U.S. president would be a true partner to Ukraine rather than just a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow.

Regarding U.S. demands for access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for military aid, Zelensky clarified that past support was given as grants, not loans, and he would not agree to a security deal that would burden future generations. He acknowledged ongoing discussions about a potential mineral agreement with the U.S., stating, “We are ready to share,” but emphasized that Washington must first ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin “ends this war.”

Zelensky appeared composed during the press conference, taking a pragmatic approach to pressing issues. If he rejects a Trump-backed peace proposal in the future, it could have lasting implications for the war’s trajectory.

Zelensky Urges Western Support After Record Russian Drone Attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed calls for Western support following Russia’s largest drone assault on Ukraine to date. Speaking just hours after the attack, he thanked emergency services for their response and urged Europe and the U.S. to help secure a “lasting and just peace.”

On Saturday night, Russia launched a record 267 drones in a coordinated strike, according to Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat. Thirteen regions were targeted, causing destruction to infrastructure and at least three casualties, despite many drones being intercepted. Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 138 drones, while 119 decoy drones were neutralized through jamming.

The attack triggered six hours of air alerts in Kyiv. Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, described the devastation on social media, writing, “Hundreds of drones brought death and destruction… Another night when people prayed for their loved ones to survive.”

War Enters Fourth Year as Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Peace Talks

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year on Monday, diplomatic efforts to secure peace remain divided. Ukraine, European allies, and the U.S. continue to offer differing approaches to ending the conflict.

Recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, held without European or Ukrainian representatives, have drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation, prompting Trump to label him a "dictator."

In response to the talks, European leaders swiftly organized a summit in Paris. Meanwhile, diplomatic visits are set to continue, with French President Emmanuel Macron traveling to Washington on Monday and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following on Thursday. Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s “ironclad support” for Kyiv and pledged to emphasize Ukraine’s sovereignty in discussions with Trump.

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