Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is willing to step down if it secures peace and NATO membership for his country. He made this statement during a press conference in Kyiv as Ukraine faces the largest drone attack since the war began.
“If [it means] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready,” Zelenskyy said. “I can exchange this for NATO [membership], if that condition is there, immediately.”
Zelenskyy’s statement comes as tensions grow between Ukraine and the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump has criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator” with little public support.
Growing Tensions with the US
Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s criticism by stating that he wants the United States to act as a partner rather than just a mediator. He also requested a meeting with Trump before any potential discussions between the US president and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Washington’s support for Ukraine has shifted under Trump’s leadership. The US is now linking its assistance to a deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Initially, the US demanded 50% ownership of these resources in exchange for continued aid.
Zelenskyy has rejected Trump’s claim that Ukraine owes the US $500 billion. He clarified that past financial support came in the form of grants, not loans. “The question of $500bn is no longer there,” he said. “It will not be in the final format of the agreement.”
US-Ukraine Deal on Rare Earth Minerals
Despite Zelenskyy’s pushback, US officials believe a mineral deal will be finalized soon. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Zelenskyy hesitated on the agreement last week but changed his stance after receiving a message from Trump. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also confirmed that the deal is expected to be signed in the coming days.
This negotiation takes place as Trump and Putin engage in direct talks. Recent meetings between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia signal a shift in US-Russia relations.
Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Talks
Ukraine has not been invited to these discussions, leading Zelenskyy to emphasize that no peace agreement can be reached without Ukraine’s involvement. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that more US-Russia meetings are planned for later this week.
Russia Launches Largest Drone Attack on Ukraine
While diplomatic talks unfold, Ukraine faces intense attacks from Russian forces. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 267 drones overnight, marking the largest drone assault since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 138 drones, while 119 failed to hit their targets. Despite these defenses, many regions, including Kyiv, suffered damage. A separate missile attack on Kryvyi Rih killed one person and injured five others.
Zelenskyy called on the US and Europe to continue supporting Ukraine, warning that Russian aggression remains relentless. “The war continues. Everyone capable of helping with air defense must work to enhance the protection of human life. We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine,” he said.
As Ukraine approaches the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the country remains under heavy assault. Russian attacks persist, while international negotiations shape the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
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