Faith Nyasuguta
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a bold offer, saying he is willing to resign if it guarantees peace for Ukraine and secures the country’s long-coveted NATO membership.
Speaking at a press conference marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelensky expressed his readiness to step down, emphasizing that his personal role is secondary to Ukraine’s stability and future.
“If it guarantees peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO,” Zelensky stated, signaling his commitment to his country’s long-term security over political power.
Zelensky’s comments come amid growing tensions with the United States, particularly with President Donald Trump. The U.S. has been pressuring Ukraine to offer a share of its vast reserves of rare earth minerals and other critical resources in exchange for continued support. Trump has reportedly demanded $500 billion worth of Ukraine’s mineral wealth as part of a draft peace deal, an amount Zelensky flatly rejected.
“I am not going to recognize $500 billion,” Zelensky said. “It would take 250 years to pay back that sum using our resources. I cannot sign something that ten generations of Ukrainians would be forced to repay.”
Trump has argued that U.S. aid to Ukraine should come with substantial returns, diverging sharply from the Biden administration’s previous stance of providing military aid without demanding repayment. Zelensky, however, insists that any deal involving Ukraine’s mineral wealth must include U.S. security guarantees.
Tense US-Ukraine Relations
The strained relationship between Zelensky and Trump has become increasingly public. Trump recently called Zelensky a “dictator” for not holding elections during wartime, despite Ukraine being under martial law since Russia’s 2022 invasion, laws that prohibit elections during times of war. Trump also falsely accused Ukraine of starting the conflict, later walking back the claim but still blaming Zelensky and former President Joe Biden for not preventing the war.
The growing rift has come at a critical time. While U.S and Russian officials recently held exploratory talks in Saudi Arabia about ending the war, Ukraine was left out of the discussions, leading to unease among European allies who fear a deal could be struck without Kyiv’s input.
Despite the tensions, Zelensky maintains a pragmatic approach. “There is no space for emotions here,” he said when asked about Trump’s insults. “Obviously, I would not say President Trump’s words about me are compliments, to say the least.”
Russia Steps Up Attacks
As diplomatic tensions rise, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire. On the eve of the invasion’s third anniversary, Russia launched its largest drone attack to date, sending 267 drones across Ukraine and killing at least one person. Ukrainian officials described the assault as a deliberate act of terror aimed at intimidation.
“Every day, our people resist aerial terror,” Zelensky said. “This was the largest attack since Iranian drones started hitting our cities and villages.”
Ukraine’s defense intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, condemned the attack as a “purely terrorist act” intended to sow fear ahead of the anniversary.
Fight For Continued U.S Support
Despite the rocky relationship with Trump, Zelensky remains hopeful that the U.S. will continue its military support. Speaking with CNN, he stressed the importance of maintaining bipartisan backing from Congress, the Senate, and the American public.
“We need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who wants a lasting peace,” Zelensky emphasized.
Ukraine’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, also reported progress in talks with U.S. officials, highlighting that while disagreements exist, the partnership remains crucial. “The USA is our partner, and we are grateful to the American people for their bipartisan support over these three years,” Yermak said.
As Ukraine faces mounting challenges, both on the battlefield and in diplomatic negotiations, Zelensky’s willingness to step aside for peace marks a significant moment in the country’s fight for sovereignty and stability.
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