Zelenskyy Signals Willingness to Step Down for Peace and NATO Membership

Amid escalating tensions with Russia and growing friction with the new U.S. administration, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he would be willing to resign if it would guarantee peace and Ukraine’s accession to NATO. His comments came as Ukraine faced its most extensive drone attack since the war began.

A Conditional Offer for Peace and NATO Membership

During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy addressed the ongoing war and the shifting political dynamics in Washington, particularly following President Donald Trump’s inauguration. With the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaching, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to make a personal sacrifice for Ukraine’s future.

“If stepping down means securing peace for Ukraine, and if my resignation is a condition for NATO membership, then I am ready,” he stated.

This statement marks a stark contrast to the stance of the previous U.S. administration under President Joe Biden, which had been a strong supporter of Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Since taking office, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Zelenskyy, even referring to him as a “dictator” and claiming he lacks the full support of his people.

The relationship between Kyiv and Washington has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Trump’s criticism of Zelenskyy came after the Ukrainian leader accused him of promoting Russian-backed narratives regarding the war. While Trump has suggested that his administration could serve as a mediator in peace negotiations, Zelenskyy stressed that he expects more than mere mediation.

“I want more than just mediation. That alone is not enough,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for a direct meeting with Trump before any negotiations between the U.S. and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Another major point of contention is Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which have become a focal point in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Reports indicate that Washington initially demanded a 50% stake in these resources as a condition for continued military and financial aid. While Kyiv has expressed willingness to negotiate, Zelenskyy firmly rejected Trump’s assertion that Ukraine owes the U.S. $500 billion, clarifying that past financial assistance was provided as grants rather than loans.

“The issue of a $500 billion debt is not on the table,” he affirmed, warning that linking aid to repayment obligations could set a dangerous precedent.

Despite these disagreements, U.S. officials have signaled that a deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals is imminent. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested that while Zelenskyy initially hesitated, he has now aligned with Washington’s expectations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed optimism that an agreement would be finalized soon.

Ongoing U.S.-Russia Talks and Ukraine’s Exclusion

As diplomatic efforts continue, recent meetings between U.S. and Russian officials have raised concerns in Kyiv. The U.S. and Russia have engaged in direct discussions about ending the war, including a meeting in Saudi Arabia between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that further meetings between Russian and American representatives are planned for the coming week, fueling speculation about a potential shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict.

However, Ukraine has not been included in these discussions, prompting Zelenskyy to insist that no agreement on Ukraine’s future can be reached without Ukrainian participation.

As diplomatic tensions unfold, the battlefield remains highly volatile. On the same day as Zelenskyy’s press conference, Ukraine endured what officials described as the most extensive Russian drone attack since the war began.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 267 drones were launched against Ukrainian targets overnight, with air defenses managing to intercept 138, while 119 either malfunctioned or failed to cause damage. Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat called it “a record for a single attack” since the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Zelenskyy reported that in the past week alone, Russia had unleashed nearly 1,150 attack drones, over 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and dozens of missiles against Ukraine. “Every day, our people stand against aerial terror,” he declared, urging continued support from the U.S. and Europe.

Kyiv was among the cities affected by the recent strikes. Meanwhile, in the central town of Kryvyi Rih, a Russian missile attack on Saturday resulted in one fatality and five injuries.

Zelenskyy reiterated the need for stronger air defense systems, emphasizing that protecting civilians from such assaults remains a top priority. “Those capable of assisting in air defense must act now to safeguard human lives,” he urged.

As the war nears its third anniversary, Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian operations far beyond the front lines. The Ukrainian military has increasingly targeted Russian supply chains, military bases, and industrial sites in an effort to weaken Moscow’s ability to launch attacks.

Despite these efforts, Russian strikes remain relentless, with civilians bearing the brunt of the war’s devastation. Ukrainians have come to view these assaults as “state-sponsored terrorism,” according to reports from Kyiv.

With the future of Ukraine’s leadership, NATO aspirations, and international support hanging in the balance, Zelenskyy’s remarks signal a turning point in both the country’s internal politics and its broader struggle against Russian aggression. Whether his offer to step down will lead to meaningful diplomatic progress remains uncertain, but Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and security is far from over.