Ukraine's Zelenskyy says he'll step down in exchange for NATO membership
The Brief
A day before the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he's ready to step down as Ukraine's leader if the country can join NATO.
Zelenskyy and European leaders are trying to navigate rapid changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has upended years of firm support for Ukraine.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he's willing to trade his presidency for NATO membership as the country marks three years of fighting against Russian invasion.
His comments came as Russia launched 267 strike drones into Ukraine overnight Saturday, more than in any other single attack since the war began. Zelenskyy and European leaders are also trying to navigate rapid changes in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who has upended years of firm support for Ukraine and shifted toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What they're saying
Asked whether he would trade his office for peace, Zelenskyy said, "If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I'm ready."
RELATED: Top U.S., Russian officials will meet to discuss Ukraine – without, apparently, Ukraine
"I can trade it for NATO," he said.
RELATED: Trump says he and Putin will begin talks to end Ukraine war after prisoner swap
Trump prompted alarm and anger in Ukraine when this week he suggested that Ukraine had started the war, and that Zelenskyy was acting as a "dictator" by not holding elections, despite Ukrainian legislation prohibiting them during martial law.
Dig deeper
Trump's shift on Ukraine has led to fears that he would join with Putin in Moscow to force a settlement to the war without involving Ukraine and its European backers.
Trump's engagement with Russian officials and his agreement to reopen diplomatic ties and economic cooperation with Moscow marks a dramatic about-face in U.S. policy.
RELATED: Russia blamed for shooting down passenger plane; Putin apologizes
Russia's deputy foreign minister on Saturday said preparations were underway for a Trump-Putin meeting, a further sign that the Russian leader's isolation, at least for the Trump administration, was beginning to thaw.
Zelenskyy has expressed fears that Trump pushing a quick resolution would result in lost territory for Ukraine and vulnerability to future Russian aggression, though U.S. officials have said that the Ukrainian leader would be involved if and when peace talks actually start.
The Source
This report includes information from The Associated Press and previous LiveNow from FOX reporting.
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