Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday he would be willing to step down from his position if it ensured lasting peace and Ukraine’s integration into NATO.
Speaking at a government forum marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy stated, “If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready.” He also responded to questions about trading his office for security assurances, saying, “I can trade it for NATO.”
His remarks come amid growing international pressure, with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting elections should be held in Ukraine despite the nation’s martial law restrictions.
Earlier Sunday, Zelenskyy reported that Russia had launched 267 drone strikes overnight, the largest single attack of the war. Ukraine’s air force said it had intercepted 138 drones across 13 regions, while 119 more were lost before reaching their targets. Additionally, three ballistic missiles were fired, killing at least one person in Kryvyi Rih, according to local authorities.
The attacks come as European leaders brace for potential shifts in U.S. policy under Trump, who has signaled a departure from previous American support for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials fear Trump could push for a peace deal favorable to Russia, potentially forcing Ukraine into territorial concessions.
Trump’s recent engagement with Russian officials and his commitment to reopening diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow have raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Zelenskyy has warned that a rushed settlement could weaken Ukraine’s security and embolden future Russian aggression.
Tensions escalated further after Trump suggested Ukraine was responsible for starting the war and accused Zelenskyy of acting as a “dictator” by not holding elections—statements that sparked outrage in Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that preparations were underway for a potential Trump-Putin meeting, signaling a thaw in diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington.
Following the latest attacks, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Russia, stating, “Avoiding calling Russia an aggressor does not change the fact that it is one.” He urged international partners to judge Putin’s actions rather than his words.
Amid ongoing discussions about security guarantees, Ukrainian officials met Sunday to discuss a potential deal allowing the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast rare earth mineral reserves. The agreement, previously rejected by Zelenskyy due to a lack of security assurances, remains under negotiation.
At the Kyiv forum, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, confirmed that Ukraine was exploring investment opportunities with both the U.S. and European nations, including mineral extraction projects. Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, who departed early for talks with American representatives, said Ukraine’s mineral resources could play a key role in broader security negotiations.
Svyrydenko estimated that $350 billion worth of minerals are located in Ukrainian territories currently under Russian occupation. However, she cautioned that many assessments are based on Soviet-era geological surveys, necessitating further exploration.
In a televised speech marking Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day, Putin praised Russian forces for defending “their native land, national interests, and the future of Russia.” He vowed continued investment in military personnel, new weaponry, and national defense capabilities.
“As the world changes rapidly, our strategic course for strengthening the armed forces remains unchanged,” Putin said. “We will continue to develop our military to ensure Russia’s sovereignty and security.”
In response to shifting U.S. foreign policy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to visit Washington this week in an effort to secure continued support for Ukraine.
The U.K. announced that it would unveil its largest sanctions package against Russia since the early days of the war. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated the new measures aim to “erode Russia’s military machine and reduce revenues fueling its aggression against Ukraine.”
Addressing a Labour Party gathering in Scotland, Starmer emphasized that any peace deal must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty. “There can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said. “The people of Ukraine must have a long-term secure future.”
AP
