Today marks the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has displaced millions. Nearly seven million people have fled the country, while an additional four million remain internally displaced.
Amid ongoing hostilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a striking declaration—he is willing to step down from office in exchange for peace and Ukraine’s NATO membership.
> “If, to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready,” Zelenskyy stated through a translator. “I can trade it for NATO—if there are such conditions.”
His remarks appear to be a response to former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator” for not holding fresh elections—something Ukrainian law prohibits during wartime.
Escalating Conflict and Drone Attacks
Zelenskyy’s comments come just after Ukraine faced what he described as the largest drone attack since the war began. Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure, with one explosive-laden drone striking the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, punching a hole in its protective radiation shield.
Emergency crews rushed to repair the damage, extinguishing a fire and ensuring radiation levels remained stable. However, international leaders have condemned the attack, with Adi Roche, CEO of Chernobyl Children International, calling it “an act of nuclear terrorism.”
International Response
As tensions rise, world leaders are set to convene today in an online meeting organized by Zelenskyy to discuss the latest developments. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Tánaiste Simon Harris is in Brussels for an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, reinforcing Europe’s continued support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s offer to relinquish power in exchange for NATO membership raises significant questions about the future of Ukraine’s leadership and its place in global security alliances. Whether this proposal gains traction remains to be seen, but it underscores the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing war.
