As Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a striking declaration: he is willing to step down from his position in exchange for Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Speaking at a news conference, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that his priority remains the country’s security and stability.
“If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that. And I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine,” Zelensky stated when questioned about his willingness to make sacrifices for the nation’s future.
His comments come in the wake of criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who last week labeled Zelensky a dictator due to the absence of elections in Ukraine. In response, Zelensky brushed off the remark, stating, “I wasn’t offended by the comment, but a dictator would be. I was democratically elected in May 2019.”
Ukraine’s Political Landscape Amid War
Ukraine has been under martial law since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The country’s legislation prohibits elections during this period, a fact Zelensky highlighted while reiterating his focus on national security rather than personal political ambitions.
Meanwhile, top EU and world leaders are expected to arrive in Kyiv today to reaffirm their support for Ukraine and discuss potential security guarantees. Among those attending are Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Zelensky noted that discussions on Ukraine’s NATO membership would take place at the meeting, although he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. “I hope this meeting will be a turning point,” he said, underscoring the significance of the talks for Ukraine’s future.
Ukraine’s Strategic Relations with the U.S.
Addressing his stance on Trump, Zelensky emphasized that he seeks more than just a mediator in the U.S. president. “I really want it to be more than just mediation… that’s not enough,” he told reporters, reflecting concerns among European political leaders that Kyiv is being sidelined in negotiations to end the war.
Additionally, discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials regarding a potential deal for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals have been ongoing. Zelensky acknowledged progress in these negotiations but clarified that “we are ready to share,” only if Washington ensures that Russian President Vladimir Putin ends the war first.
Russia’s Largest Drone Attack Yet
Zelensky’s press conference came just hours after Ukraine faced the most extensive single drone attack of the war. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia launched a record 267 drones in a coordinated strike on multiple regions of the country overnight.
Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for Ukraine’s Air Force Command, reported that Ukraine’s defenses managed to shoot down 138 of the drones. Meanwhile, 119 were identified as decoy drones, likely neutralized through electronic jamming measures. Despite efforts to repel the assault, several drones penetrated defenses, causing damage to infrastructure and resulting in at least three casualties, according to emergency services.
In Kyiv alone, the attack triggered six hours of continuous air raid alerts. Zelensky later revealed in a statement that Russia had fired 1,150 drones, 1,400 bombs, and 35 missiles throughout the week.
Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, took to social media to express the devastation caused by the attacks. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Hundreds of drones brought death and destruction overnight. Another night of explosions, burning houses and cars, and destroyed infrastructure. Another night when people prayed for their loved ones to survive.”
Call for Continued Western Support
In light of these escalating attacks, Zelensky renewed his appeal to Europe and the U.S. for unwavering support in ensuring a just and lasting peace.
“I thank our emergency services for their rapid response to the attacks,” he said. “But we need continued support from our allies to bring this war to an end and secure a peaceful future for Ukraine.”
With Ukraine’s security situation deteriorating amid intensified Russian offensives, the upcoming high-level discussions in Kyiv will be crucial in determining the next steps for the country’s NATO aspirations and its broader strategic future.
