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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday his country is reviewing a 28-point American peace plan to end the war with Russia, warning that Kyiv faces a stark choice between preserving its honor and potentially losing crucial allied support.
In a video address posted to social media, Zelenskyy described the proposal as containing "heavy" terms for Ukraine while pledging he would never betray his country's national interests. He characterized the decision before his government as choosing between accepting difficult conditions or enduring what he called "an extremely heavy winter, the toughest winter yet and more risks."
"Now Ukraine may face a very difficult choice. Either losing its honor or the risk of losing a key partner," Zelenskyy said, referencing Ukraine's relationship with the United States.
The Ukrainian leader indicated he would present alternative proposals to Washington in response to at least two articles in the plan he finds unacceptable. "I will fight 24/7 for at least two articles not to be overlooked. For Ukrainians' honor and freedom. Because at the foundation of everything lies this: our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people and Ukraine's future," he said.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the mounting pressure on his government, saying, "We are made of steel, of course, but no metal, even the strongest, may be able to withstand these pressures." He emphasized that when he took office in 2019, he swore an oath to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The president said his government would work calmly with the United States and other partners to present arguments and alternatives, but stressed Ukraine would not give adversaries reason to claim Kyiv is obstructing diplomacy. "We will not give the enemy any reason at all to say that Ukraine does not want peace, is disrupting the process, is not ready for diplomacy. That will not happen," he said.
Ukraine's Presidential Office confirmed Wednesday evening that Zelenskyy formally received the draft plan from the United States. According to the office's statement, American officials indicated the proposal could strengthen diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The statement noted that Zelenskyy may discuss the plan with US President Donald Trump in the coming days. The Ukrainian president warned that next week "will not be easy and will be intense with developments."
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Zelenskyy reminded Ukrainians that the country has been defending itself for approximately four years, maintaining a front line stretching thousands of kilometers. "Our people face artillery fire, missile attacks, ballistic missile attacks and drone attacks every night," he said.
The president called on all Ukrainians to remain united during the difficult period ahead, saying his government would continue working on the plan while avoiding exaggerated statements about the negotiations.
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