Zelenskyy willing to resign for Ukraine's peace, NATO membership
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he is willing to resign if it would guarantee lasting peace and NATO membership for Ukraine.
He made the remarks during a forum in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
"If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I'm ready," Zelenskyy said. He added he would trade his presidency for Ukraine's NATO admission.
Election concerns
Zelenskyy responds to Trump and Putin's election suggestions
Zelenskyy's remarks appeared to be aimed at recent suggestions by United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine should hold elections, even as martial law currently forbids it.
The Ukrainian leader expressed concerns over Trump's recent policy changes, fearing they could lead to lost territory for Ukraine and greater susceptibility to future Russian aggression.
Ongoing tensions
'Not signing something that Ukrainians are going to pay later'
Zelenskyy has also stated that he is unwilling to give in to US pressure to sign a $500 billion minerals deal.
He stated that he did not perceive the amount asked by the White House as "payback" for previous US military assistance.
He said that the sum was significantly larger than the US's actual military contribution of $100 billion and that both parties in Congress, as well as then-President Joe Biden, had approved the backing in response to Russia's strike
Diplomatic efforts
Zelenskyy seeks US security guarantees, negotiates mineral deal
"I'm not signing something that 10 generations of Ukrainians are going to pay later," Zelenskyy said.
The president of Ukraine also disclosed the burdensome financial conditions that Washington is seeking to enforce.
Kyiv must repay $2 for every $1 in future military funding, which is a 100% interest rate, according to Zelenskyy.
The same conditions did not apply to Israel, the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia, he said, adding that he had requested an explanation but had not received one.
Escalated conflict
Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine invasion anniversary
The news briefing was conducted only hours after Russia launched its largest-ever aerial attack on Ukraine, utilizing 267 drones.
In response, Ukraine's air force said it shot down 138 drones across 13 regions, with another 119 lost on their way.
Three ballistic missiles were also fired in the attack, killing one in Kryvyi Rih.
At least four people were killed.