Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he would be willing to resign from his presidential post if Ukraine were able to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Zelenskyy has long advocated for Ukraine's membership in the military alliance, which consists of the United States, Canada, and several European nations. This commitment underscores his dedication to securing Ukraine's future within a strong, collective defense framework.
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02-24, 2025However, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly opposes this move, viewing it as an encroachment on his sphere of influence. As Ukraine commemorated the third anniversary of Russia's invasion, Zelenskyy stated at a press conference in Kyiv that he remains confident in the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. He emphasized the importance of continued international support in achieving this goal.
Zelenskyy stated, "If Ukraine is able to achieve peace, if you really need me to leave my position, I am ready... I am ready to exchange it for NATO." Earlier this month, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth said that he does not believe that NATO membership is a "realistic" scenario for post-war Ukraine. At the same press conference, Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine and the United States are still working to reach an agreement to exchange rare earth minerals for security guarantees, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
Russian forces launched the largest single-night drone attack on Ukraine since the invasion, with at least 267 Iranian-made drones targeting five regions. This is the latest in a series of nightly drone attacks in recent months, with Russia attempting to deplete Ukraine's air defenses. On Sunday morning, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the latest attacks, expressing his resolve to protect the country. He wrote on X: "Every day, our people are fighting against aerial terror." He added: "On the third anniversary of the full-scale war, Russia launched 267 attack drones against Ukraine – the largest number since Iranian drones began to attack Ukrainian cities and villages."
Zelenskyy stated that in the past week, Russia has launched a total of nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 35 missiles of various types against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement that 138 drones were shot down, and another 119 disappeared from radar after being subjected to electronic warfare interference, adding that Russia also launched three ballistic missiles. Five regions in Ukraine reported damages, underscoring the widespread impact of these attacks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's allies continue to urge the United States to ensure that any peace agreement to end the war must involve Ukraine. In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has sought to end the conflict by initiating negotiations to end Russia's years-long isolation. European allies have expressed concerns that Ukraine and the broader European community could be excluded from the negotiations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday that no negotiations to end the war could take place without Ukraine's involvement. He stated: "No one wants the bloodshed to continue. No one, especially the Ukrainians. But after everything they have suffered, after everything they have fought for, there can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine's involvement, and the Ukrainian people must have a long-term secure future."
Zelenskyy has called on the country's foreign allies to unite to ensure a "just and lasting peace" is achieved. "This can be achieved through the unity of all partners – we need the strength of the whole of Europe, the strength of America, and the strength of all those who seek a lasting peace." Monday marked the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has devastated the country. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion from land, sea, and air, thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died, and more than 6 million people are living abroad as refugees.
Military losses have been catastrophic, although they remain closely guarded secrets. Western public estimates based on intelligence reports vary widely, but most indicate that there have been hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides. The tragedy has touched families in every corner of Ukraine, with military funerals a common sight in major cities and remote villages. On Sunday (local time), people gathered at rallies across Europe to commemorate the anniversary and call for an end to Russia's invasion, showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
