Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a speech marking the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, concluding the “Ukraine: Year 2025” forum in Kyiv. He stressed that his priority is Ukraine’s current security, not plans for the next 20 years.
He reiterated his desire for security guarantees that would strengthen Ukraine’s position during peace talks. Zelensky stressed that NATO membership is the “cheapest option” for the country’s security and that this option remains open, despite Russian claims that Ukrainian membership in the alliance would pose a “direct threat” to Russia.
Speaking about international aid, the president specified that Ukraine has received $100 billion in aid from the United States, not $350 billion as some have reported. He expressed his desire for former US President Donald Trump to support Ukraine and help end the war as soon as possible.
Zelensky also stated that he does not plan to stay in power for long, emphasizing that the current negotiations are being conducted on Ukrainian terms.
“This is not a negotiating table that Ukraine was invited to. This is our table, and we are inviting,” Zelensky said.
He proposed that the participants in the negotiations be Ukraine, Europe, the United States and Russia. He also expressed his readiness to resign as president in exchange for peace or Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
“I am ready to resign as president for peace or Ukraine’s accession to NATO,” Zelensky said.
He also announced a major summit to be held tomorrow, potentially a turning point in the current situation, which will be attended by 13 partners in person, while 24 will join online.
The statements come at a time when Ukraine is facing intense attacks, including the largest Russian drone attack to date, in which the Ukrainian military intercepted 138 of the 267 drones launched.
At the same time, European leaders, particularly from Britain and France, are working on a plan to deploy up to 30,000 peacekeepers to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached, with the US providing security support.
