Zelensky Offers to Resign for Peace, as Russia Unleashes Record Drone Attack on Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared his willingness to step down if it guarantees peace for his country and secures NATO membership. His statement comes amid escalating tensions with former U.S. President Donald Trump and a record-breaking drone assault by Russian forces.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Zelensky was asked whether he would resign if it ensured an end to the war. In response, he said, “If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.”
The Ukrainian leader has previously stated that if Kyiv is denied NATO membership, the country’s military would need to double in size to ensure its defense. However, earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed Ukraine’s NATO accession as “unrealistic.”
Tensions With Trump and U.S.-Russia Talks
Zelensky’s remarks follow a heated exchange with Trump, who recently blamed Ukraine for starting the war—an accusation widely refuted by global leaders. Trump later conceded that “Russia attacked” but pinned responsibility on U.S. President Joe Biden and Zelensky for failing to prevent the escalation.
When Zelensky responded, accusing Trump of being in a “disinformation space,” Trump retaliated by calling the Ukrainian president a “dictator.” The dispute has further strained U.S.-Ukraine relations at a critical moment in the war.
Meanwhile, American and Russian officials held secretive talks in Saudi Arabia this week to explore potential avenues for ending the war—without Ukraine’s involvement. The exclusion of Kyiv has alarmed European allies, raising concerns about the future of Western support for Ukraine.
Russia Launches Largest-Ever Drone Attack
On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow launched an unprecedented 267-drone assault on Ukraine, killing at least one person. Ukrainian authorities confirmed it was the largest drone attack since Iranian-made UAVs began targeting Ukrainian cities and villages.
“Every day, our people are resisting aerial terror,” Zelensky said, condemning the attack. He urged Ukraine’s allies to maintain their support, stating, “We need to do our best to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine. This is possible in the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who wants a lasting peace.”
As the war enters its third year, the political and military landscape continues to shift, with Zelensky’s leadership, Western support, and diplomatic negotiations all at a crossroads.