Zelenskyy says Ukraine facing one of ‘one of most difficult moments in its history' amid US peace plan pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday addressed the nation regarding a new US-proposed peace plan, saying the country was facing “one of the most difficult moments in its history”

“Pressure on Ukraine is now at one of its highest levels. We may face a very difficult choice - either lose our dignity or risk losing our main partner. Either accept a difficult 28-point plan or face an extremely harsh winter ahead,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine could not “live without freedom, dignity and justice, nor trust those who have attacked us twice”.

Zelenskyy highlighted that he remained committed to the oath he took upon assuming office in May 2019 to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and rights of its citizens. He said Ukraine would work constructively with the United States and other partners, offering arguments and alternatives without giving Russia grounds to claim Kyiv was rejecting peace.

“I will do everything to ensure the war ends. Ukraine today is the only shield separating a comfortable European life from Putin’s ambitions,” he said, adding that Ukraine must not relive the loneliness of February 24, 2022, when the nation felt it stood alone against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The President said Ukraine continued to hold back one of the world’s largest armies along a front line stretching thousands of kilometers, facing nightly missile, drone and ballistic strikes. He stressed that Ukrainians overwhelmingly chose to defend the country on the first day of the invasion, demonstrating unity and resolve.

The reported US peace plan consists of 28 points, including transferring part of the Donbas territory to Russia in exchange for long-term security guarantees for Ukraine and the EU, reducing Ukraine’s military size and relinquishing long-range strike capabilities. The plan is expected to be discussed between Ukrainian and US presidents next week.

US media reports, citing sources, say Washington has threatened to halt weapons supplies and intelligence sharing if Kyiv refuses to sign an agreement by November 27.