Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his willingness to step down if it would bring peace to Ukraine, as the country prepares to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
"If you need me to leave this chair, I am ready to do that. And I also can exchange it for NATO membership for Ukraine," Zelensky stated during a press conference, emphasizing his commitment to his nation’s security and future.
His remarks followed criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently labeled him a "dictator without elections." Zelensky responded, saying, "I wasn't offended [by the comment], but a dictator would be," highlighting his democratic mandate since being elected in May 2019.
Hours before Zelensky’s press conference, Ukraine faced its largest drone attack of the war, with Russia launching a record 267 drones in a coordinated assault across 13 regions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 138 drones were intercepted, while 119 decoy drones were neutralized through jamming.
The attack, which caused destruction to infrastructure and left at least three people dead, triggered six hours of air alerts in Kyiv. Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska described the night as one of "explosions, burning houses, and destroyed infrastructure," calling for continued international support.
As the war enters its third year, diplomatic negotiations over a potential peace settlement remain contentious. Recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia excluded Ukraine and European allies, prompting backlash from Zelensky. He accused Trump of operating within a "disinformation space" influenced by Moscow, leading to renewed criticism from Trump.
European leaders have scrambled to respond, with French President Emmanuel Macron set to visit Washington on Monday and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer scheduled to meet U.S. officials on Thursday. Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s "ironclad support" for Ukraine and pledged to discuss the country’s sovereignty with Trump.
As global leaders debate the future of the conflict, Pope Francis—currently hospitalized with a respiratory illness—released a statement condemning the ongoing war. He described its third anniversary as "a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity," urging world leaders to pursue a "lasting and just peace."
With no clear resolution in sight, Ukraine remains at the center of a complex geopolitical struggle, as Zelensky continues to seek international backing while facing escalating attacks from Russia.