ISLAMABAD (PEN) : As Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a remarkable statement: he is prepared to leave office if it guarantees peace for Ukraine and ensures its membership in NATO. His comments, made during a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, come amid escalating Russian attacks and rising tensions between Ukraine and the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“If [it means] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready,” Zelenskyy declared. “I can exchange this for NATO [membership], if that condition is there, immediately.”
Zelenskyy’s words reflect the immense pressure Ukraine faces as it continues to fight for survival in the face of unrelenting Russian aggression. His willingness to step down for the greater good of the country is indicative of the personal sacrifice he is prepared to make in pursuit of long-term stability and security for Ukraine.
*Strained Ukraine-US Relations: A Shift Under Trump*
This statement comes at a time of growing strain in the relationship between Ukraine and the United States. While the Biden administration had firmly supported Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, President Trump’s approach to the conflict has been far more contentious. Recently, Trump referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and cast doubt on his domestic support, which only fueled further tensions.
Earlier, Zelenskyy had accused Trump of operating within a “disinformation space” after the US president echoed narratives that aligned with Russian interests, casting doubt on Ukraine’s war efforts.
Zelenskyy has also faced pressure from the Trump administration regarding US aid to Ukraine. Trump’s team has demanded that Ukraine grant Washington access to its rare earth mineral reserves as a condition for continued military support, including an initial request for a 50% stake in the resources. While Ukraine signaled willingness to discuss the issue, Zelenskyy rejected Trump’s claim that Ukraine owes the US $500 billion, insisting that previous financial support had been in the form of grants, not loans.
“The question of $500 billion is no longer there,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that treating military aid as a debt could set a dangerous precedent for Ukraine’s international relationships. His firm stance reflects both his determination to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and his recognition of the shifting geopolitical realities.
*Exclusion from Peace Talks and Escalating Attacks*
Despite the ongoing diplomatic maneuvering, Ukraine has been excluded from recent peace talks between Moscow and Washington. Zelenskyy strongly condemned this, asserting that no agreement regarding Ukraine’s future could be reached without his country’s representation. The exclusion of Ukraine from these critical negotiations, while talks intensify between Russian and US officials, is a painful reminder of the struggles Kyiv faces in securing its place in the global dialogue surrounding the war.
In the midst of these diplomatic challenges, Ukraine is grappling with an intensification of Russian strikes, including the largest drone attack of the war so far. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 267 drones in a single overnight assault. Over the past week, Russian forces fired nearly 1,150 attack drones, 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles, continuing their campaign of terror aimed at exhausting Ukraine’s air defenses.
“Every day, our people stand against aerial terror,” Zelenskyy said, as he called on European and US allies to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The country’s air force successfully intercepted 138 of the drones, while 119 were jammed or diverted, but several regions, including Kyiv, still suffered significant damage.
The violence continued with a Russian missile attack on the town of Kryvyi Rih, which left one man dead and five others injured. Local authorities are still grappling with the aftermath of these attacks, which highlight the dire situation Ukrainians face daily.
*A Call for Unity and Long-Term Peace*
Zelenskyy’s words resonate not just within Ukraine but across the global stage, underscoring his commitment to securing a just and lasting peace for his country. “We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine,” he stressed, as the war continues to devastate communities and take innocent lives.
Despite the turmoil, Zelenskyy remains resolute in his leadership. His willingness to step down if it brings peace and NATO membership signals the depth of his commitment to Ukraine’s future. However, the exclusion of his country from key diplomatic discussions, and the shifting political winds in Washington, leave many wondering if the road to peace will be longer and more complicated than hoped.
As Ukraine continues to endure the brutality of Russian aggression, the country’s future remains uncertain, but the fight for sovereignty and security remains unwavering, with President Zelenskyy at the helm, determined to safeguard his nation’s future, no matter the cost.
