Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, highlighting the critical choices facing Ukraine as it navigates ongoing peace negotiations with the United States.
According to Zelensky, the country now faces "a very difficult choice: either loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner. Either the complex 28 points, or an extremely harsh winter, and further risks."
Focus on Dignity and Freedom
In his video address, Zelensky stressed the importance of safeguarding the principles that underpin Ukraine's sovereignty.
"I will fight to ensure that at least two points in the plan are not compromised: the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians, because everything else is based on this. Our sovereignty, independence, land, people, and Ukrainian future. Dignity and freedom will remain in the peace plan that Ukraine is developing with the United States to end the armed conflict with Russia," said Zelensky.
"Because this is the foundation of everything else. We will and must do everything to ensure that the war ends and that Ukraine itself does not end," he added. Zelensky warned, "Either loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner."
He emphasized that Ukrainians must not relive the feeling of being alone experienced on February 24, 2022.
Additional remarks from Zelensky included:
- We did not betray Ukraine in February 2022, and we will not betray it now. I know the people are with me.
- Ukrainians are resilient, but even the strongest metal can fail.
- We will work calmly with the United States and all partners, seeking constructive solutions with our main partner.
- We hold a front line of several thousand kilometers, people spend every night under shelling, Ukrainians really want this war to finally end.
"We need to pull ourselves together, get a grip, stop the infighting, stop the political games. The state has to function, the parliament of a country at war has to work as one, and the government of a country at war has to work effectively,” Zelensky said. He was referring to the recent corruption scandal that led to the resignation of two ministers. “Next week will be difficult and full of events. You are a mature and well-informed people. There will be a lot of pressure during this time,” he added. “Ukraine’s interests must be taken into account. We will work calmly with America and all our partners. I will persuade, I will offer alternatives, but we will certainly not give the enemy any grounds to say that Ukraine does not want peace," he also said.
US Pushes for Peace Agreement by Year-End
The administration of US President Donald Trump reportedly wants Russia and Ukraine to sign a peace agreement by the end of 2025, according to *CNN*, citing two senior White House officials. "Some US officials have stated that the administration wants Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement before the end of the year," the network reported.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump demanded that Zelensky immediately approve the peace agreement.
European Leaders Back Ukraine’s Sovereignty
European leaders, along with Zelensky, stressed that the current front line in Ukraine should serve as a starting point for any peace agreement. This was reported on the German government website following a phone call between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Zelensky.
"They agreed to continue working toward protecting vital European and Ukrainian interests in the long term. This includes using the line of contact as a starting point for mutual understanding and ensuring that Ukrainian armed forces remain capable of effectively defending Ukraine’s sovereignty," the statement read.
The leaders of Germany, France, and the UK reaffirmed their "unwavering and full support" for Kyiv on the path to a lasting and just peace. They welcomed US efforts to end the conflict, particularly the "commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and the readiness to provide Ukraine with reliable security guarantees," and intend to coordinate closely on next steps.
