Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy proposes stepping down in return for peace and NATO membership
U.S. President Trump has criticized Zelenskyy, labeling him a ‘dictator’
During a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy made this offer amid growing tensions between himself and the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. The announcement came on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
"If my resignation guarantees peace for Ukraine and NATO membership, I am ready to step down," Zelenskyy stated. "I can make this exchange immediately if that condition is met."
Tensions Between Zelenskyy and Trump
In contrast to former U.S. President Joe Biden's unwavering support for Ukraine, Trump has taken a more critical stance toward Zelenskyy since assuming office last month. Last week, he referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator” with limited domestic support. His remarks followed Zelenskyy’s assertion that Trump was operating within a "disinformation space" by echoing Russian narratives about the war.
Despite the tension, Zelenskyy expressed his desire for the U.S. to be more than a neutral mediator. "Mediation alone is insufficient," he said, emphasizing his wish to meet with Trump before any potential discussions between the U.S. president and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
U.S. Ties Aid to Access to Ukraine’s Rare Earth Minerals
The U.S. has reportedly linked its continued support for Ukraine to securing access to the country’s rare earth minerals. Initially, Washington demanded 50% ownership of these resources in return for further assistance.
While Ukraine has signaled a willingness to negotiate, Zelenskyy firmly rejected Trump’s claim that Kyiv owed the U.S. $500 billion. He clarified that the financial aid was provided as grants, not loans, and should not be tied to any mineral agreement.
"The issue of a $500 billion debt no longer exists," Zelenskyy stated, adding that repayment was not part of the final terms of any agreement. He warned that treating aid as a debt to be repaid would set a dangerous precedent for Ukraine’s other allies.
U.S. officials, however, remain optimistic about finalizing a deal soon. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that Zelenskyy had shown hesitation regarding U.S. access to Ukrainian minerals last week but had since reaffirmed his commitment after receiving a message from Trump. Both Witkoff and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted that the deal could be signed within the week.
Direct U.S.-Russia Talks Sideline Ukraine
Amid a growing rapprochement between Trump and Putin, high-level talks between Washington and Moscow have been taking place in recent weeks to explore ways to end the war. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, while Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that further discussions are planned later in the week.
However, Ukraine has not been included in these negotiations, prompting Zelenskyy to stress that any agreement reached without Ukrainian involvement would be unacceptable.
Russia Launches Largest Drone Assault Since War Began
On Sunday, Zelenskyy revealed that Russia had carried out its most extensive drone attack against Ukraine, launching 267 drones overnight.
In a social media post, he reported that over the past week, Russia had deployed nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles against Ukraine.
"Every day, our people resist aerial terror," Zelenskyy wrote, urging Europe and the U.S. to stand with Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman, Yuriy Ignat, stated that air defenses intercepted 138 of the drones launched overnight, while 119 others failed to cause damage. He noted that the 267-drone assault was the largest single attack since Russia’s invasion.
A separate statement from Ukraine’s armed forces on Telegram confirmed that multiple regions, including Kyiv, had been hit. Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike on the central town of Kryvyi Rih on Saturday killed one person and injured five others.
"The war continues," Zelenskyy said, calling for strengthened air defenses and international support to secure a lasting and just peace.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, but hostilities in eastern Ukraine date back to 2014, when Moscow annexed Crimea—an action not recognized by the international community.
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