Don’t be too harsh on Zelensky - he’s a puppet, just like Biden. I believe Zelensky truly wanted peace - he campaigned on a peace-platform, he publicly supported the Minsk Accords.
But the Azov nazi/nationalists, empowered by the Maidan Coup, and their DC deep-state backers both wanted war. They wanted US politicians tied in deeply as well - Kerry and Biden’s kids were making $$ off Ukraine. People like Liz Cheney got rich from MIC donations.
Zelensky’s only two options now are fight - or get killed.
I agree, that's also Ukraine's only two options, fight or be wiped off the face of the earth.