Zelensky Offers to Resign for Ukraine's Peace and NATO Membership

Zelensky Expresses Willingness to Resign for Peace, Cites Two Key Conditions

Kyiv, Ukraine – President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed his willingness to step down from his position if such a move could secure peace for his country. The President's statement comes as the war with Russia continues to ravage Ukraine, with the conflict intensifying across several key regions.

Zelensky emphasized that he would resign if it would guarantee peace, adding that he would be open to leaving office under two specific conditions: the establishment of lasting peace in Ukraine and Ukraine's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). During a recent press briefing, Zelensky was asked if he would step down to ensure peace for Ukraine. He responded affirmatively, stating, "If it ensures peace for Ukraine, and if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can also exchange that for NATO membership."

This comment follows earlier remarks from the Ukrainian President, who had warned that Ukraine's military would need to double in size if NATO declined to admit Ukraine into the alliance. The prospect of Ukraine joining NATO has faced significant opposition, especially from key figures such as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated earlier this month that NATO membership for Ukraine is currently unrealistic.

Zelensky's statement comes amidst growing tensions between him and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has blamed Zelensky for provoking Russia and escalating the war. Trump has accused Zelensky of initiating the conflict knowing it could never be won, while also placing blame on former U.S. President Joe Biden and Zelensky himself for failing to prevent the conflict's escalation.

In response to Trump's remarks, Zelensky criticized the former president for making decisions based on misleading information from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. The escalating rhetoric between Zelensky and Trump highlights the ongoing international disagreements surrounding the war in Ukraine.

Moreover, in recent diplomatic developments, U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia for preliminary talks on ending the conflict. Notably, Ukraine was excluded from these talks, which has caused concern among European allies.

On Sunday, Zelensky reiterated that his approach to dealing with the Trump administration is pragmatic, emphasizing that "there is no room for emotions here." He further responded to Trump's criticism of him, saying, "Clearly, I cannot say that President Trump’s words about me are compliments, and I say that publicly."

In the face of ongoing attacks, Russia launched its largest drone strike on Ukraine since the onset of the war. Overnight on Sunday, more than 267 drones were deployed, resulting in one death and several injuries. President Zelensky condemned the aerial assault, calling it a form of "air terrorism." He expressed that Ukraine must work toward achieving a "just and lasting peace," emphasizing that this could only be achieved through solidarity with allies across Europe and the United States.

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), described the attack as a tactic of terror and intimidation. As the war drags on, Russia’s military continues to occupy key territories in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Pokrovs'k, Zaporizhia, and Crimea, which it seized in 2022, causing extensive suffering and displacement.