Ukraine struggles as war enters fourth year, Zelensky says he is ready to step down for peace

Kyiv: The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its fourth year, with Ukraine facing economic slowdown and increasing challenges on the battlefield. Exhausted soldiers are struggling to hold their positions, while Russia’s economy is also feeling the strain of inflation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he was willing to step down if it would bring peace to the country. He also suggested he could relinquish his position in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership. “If (that means) peace for Ukraine and if you really want me to leave my position, then I am ready,” he said at a press conference.

Meanwhile, the US stance on Ukraine appears to be shifting under President Donald Trump, who began his second term on January 20. Trump has pushed for elections in Ukraine, calling Zelensky a dictator and pointing out that his term technically ended in 2024. He has also appeared to blame Ukraine for the ongoing war, which began on February 22, 2022, when Russia launched its invasion.

Zelensky has opposed holding elections during the war but has expressed his willingness to engage with Trump, saying he wants the US leader to act as a partner and mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. “I want it to be more than mediation,” he said. “It’s not enough.”