Ukrainian President Zelensky delivered a video speech on the 21st, stating that Ukraine is facing “very difficult choices,” but he will not “betray” the country.
Foreign media reported that in recent months, the US Trump administration team has had multiple secret contacts with Russia and proposed a 28-point peace plan, modeled after the Gaza ceasefire. Reportedly, the content involves Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region, limiting the size of the Ukrainian military to 600,000 personnel, and prohibiting Ukraine from joining NATO, among other things—touching on several of Kyiv’s “red lines.”
The exposure of the plan has raised concerns in Europe. Zelensky has already held separate calls with the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK, emphasizing that any plan must ensure Ukraine’s full participation.
In his video speech that day, Zelensky said Ukraine is under unprecedented pressure and faces tough choices: either lose its dignity or lose a key partner; either accept the “difficult” new 28-point proposal or face the harshest winter and subsequent dangers.
The previous day, Zelensky confirmed that the US had presented him a Russia-Ukraine peace proposal to end the conflict.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine would calmly cooperate with the US and all partners to seek constructive solutions, presenting Ukrainian viewpoints and alternative options. He stressed that Ukraine will not give Russia any reason to accuse Ukraine of not wanting peace, of sabotaging the peace process, or of being unprepared to accept diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky emphasized that he would ensure “at least two key points in the proposal are not overlooked:” namely “the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.” He said he has never betrayed the country since the war began, “and will not betray it now.”
Zelensky said that Ukraine will rely on its European partners and trusts that Europe will continue to stand with Ukraine. “Next week will be extremely difficult,” he called on the nation to be more united than ever.