Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is willing to resign if it secures NATO membership and peace.
• Recent discussions indicate the U.S. may secure rights to Ukraine's rare earth minerals.
• As tensions rise, Zelenskyy condemns Russia's largest drone assault since the invasion began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his readiness to give up his presidency if necessary to achieve lasting peace and secure NATO membership for Ukraine. Speaking at a forum marking the three-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Zelenskyy stated, "If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready. I can trade it for NATO," highlighting the urgency of Ukraine's security needs in the wake of intensified assaults from Russian forces.

This announcement comes on the heels of an aggressive military campaign by Russia, which launched a record 267 drones into Ukraine in a single night, marking the largest attack since the onset of the conflict. Ukrainian military officials reported that 138 of the drones were intercepted, while Kyiv suffered damage in several regions and one casualty was reported as a result of missile strikes.

As negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine progress, a potential agreement may allow Washington to access significant shares of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, critical for technology production. Zelenskyy indicated that the negotiations have involved discussions about compensating the U.S. for its military support – estimated at $128 billion – potentially through mineral rights. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated he expects the deal to be finalized soon, emphasizing the need for security guarantees from the U.S. as part of any future agreements.

Zelenskyy expressed concerns regarding the shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, who previously called Zelenskyy a "dictator" and questioned the legitimacy of his leadership. In response to Trump's suggestion that Kyiv started the conflict, Zelenskyy reiterated his commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, stating, "No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead," urging for a unified stance against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, Trump’s recent dialogues with Russian officials and the apparent intention for a Trump-Putin meeting have raised alarms among European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to visit Washington to advocate for continued support for Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of having Ukraine represented in crucial discussions about its future.

As the situation evolves, the international community remains focused on finding sustainable security solutions that respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and offer it the military backing essential to defend against ongoing threats from Russia.

For more detailed insights, you can read the full articles at Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, VOA News, and LA Times.