Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is willing to give up his presidency if it leads to Ukraine’s admission into NATO. Speaking at a news conference on the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Zelensky emphasized that his presidency is not a lifelong ambition. “It’s not my dream to be president for a decade,” he said, adding that if his departure could bring peace and security to Ukraine, he would leave office without hesitation.
His remarks came after Russia launched its largest drone attack since the war began, with 267 drones striking various parts of Ukraine. The assault caused casualties and extensive damage, underscoring the urgency of Ukraine’s bid for NATO membership. Zelensky described the upcoming anniversary as a “turning point” and expressed hope that renewed talks with European and American leaders would advance Ukraine’s case for joining the alliance.
NATO, founded in 1949, currently has 32 member states across Europe and North America. The alliance operates under the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Finland, which shares a border with Russia, became NATO’s latest member after abandoning its long-standing neutrality following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, NATO has maintained that Ukraine cannot join until the war ends, a stance reiterated by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who stated that membership is a possibility only “in the long term.”
Russia remains fiercely opposed to Ukraine’s NATO membership, viewing it as a direct threat to its national security. The Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s latest comments, urging him to “sober up” and abandon what it called unrealistic expectations. Moscow has long cited NATO’s eastward expansion as a key justification for its invasion of Ukraine, claiming that the alliance’s presence near Russian borders is unacceptable.
Obstacles aside , Zelensky is determined to keep the issue of NATO membership at the forefront of upcoming negotiations with Western allies. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned against trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead.” The record-breaking drone attack, Kuleba added, is proof that Russia remains committed to prolonging the conflict.
Zelensky’s proposal is a bold move aimed at accelerating Ukraine’s integration into Western security structures. By offering to step aside, he hopes to remove any political barriers that might hinder NATO’s decision. His announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his selflessness while others question whether his departure would truly influence NATO’s stance.
The war’s third anniversary will be marked by high-level meetings in Kyiv, where international leaders are expected to discuss pathways to peace and Ukraine’s future within NATO. Zelensky believes that securing NATO membership is essential not only for Ukraine’s survival but also for strengthening European security as a whole. He has consistently argued that integrating Ukraine into the alliance would deter further Russian aggression and ensure long-term stability in the region.
As Ukraine continues to withstand relentless attacks, Zelensky’s willingness to sacrifice his political career highlights the stakes of the ongoing conflict. Whether his offer will sway NATO remains uncertain, but it underscores his unwavering commitment to securing Ukraine’s place within the Western defense alliance—no matter the personal cost.
