Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he is willing to step down if it ensures peace for Ukraine and secures the country’s NATO membership, as relations with the United States grow increasingly strained under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy made the remarks as Ukraine marked three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. His comments come amid intensifying Russian attacks and shifting US policy, with Washington signaling a different approach compared to the previous Biden administration.
“If it means peace for Ukraine, if my departure is what’s needed, I am ready,” Zelenskyy declared. “If NATO membership is the condition, I would make that exchange immediately.”
Growing Ukraine-US Tensions
Zelenskyy’s statement follows criticism from President Trump, who recently labeled him a “dictator” and questioned his support within Ukraine. In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of operating within a “disinformation space,” particularly after the US president echoed Moscow’s narratives about the war.
While the Biden administration had provided unwavering support for Ukraine, Trump has sought to renegotiate the terms of US assistance, making further aid conditional on Kyiv granting Washington access to its rare earth mineral reserves. Initially, the US demanded a 50% stake in Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for continued military and financial backing.
Although Kyiv indicated a willingness to negotiate, Zelenskyy firmly dismissed Trump’s claim that Ukraine owed the US $500 billion, stressing that past financial aid was provided as grants, not loans.
“The $500 billion question is no longer relevant,” Zelenskyy said, warning that treating military assistance as debt would set a dangerous precedent for Ukraine’s international allies.
Despite tensions, US officials remain optimistic about striking a deal. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested an agreement on Ukraine’s mineral wealth was near, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed hope that negotiations would conclude this week.
Meanwhile, Moscow and Washington have intensified direct talks on ending the war, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed further discussions were planned.
However, Ukraine has been excluded from these negotiations, prompting Zelenskyy to insist that no agreement could be made without Kyiv’s involvement.
Largest Drone Attack Since War Began
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine has faced one of the most severe waves of Russian strikes since the war began.
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 267 drones against Ukraine overnight—the largest drone assault recorded to date. Over the past week, Russian forces have fired nearly 1,150 attack drones, 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles, he said.
“Every day, our people endure aerial terror,” Zelenskyy stated, urging European and US allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses.
Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman, Yuriy Ignat, confirmed that air defense systems intercepted 138 drones, while another 119 failed to reach their targets. Several regions, including Kyiv, sustained damage.
On Saturday, a Russian missile strike on the central town of Kryvyi Rih killed one man and injured five others, according to local authorities.
“The war continues. Everyone who can contribute to air defense must do so to protect human life,” Zelenskyy urged. “We must do everything possible to achieve a lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”
Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, but hostilities date back to 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.
