Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine is approaching a pivotal moment in its nearly four-year struggle against Russia’s full-scale invasion, saying the coming days may force the country to confront a “hard choice” under unprecedented pressure. In a recorded address, Zelensky noted that “the pressure on Ukraine is currently one of the hardest,” stressing that the situation has reached one of the most difficult points in the nation’s modern history.
His remarks come as Kyiv continues consultations with the United States and European partners regarding the newly proposed 28-point peace plan. The framework, supported by Washington, has become a central topic of diplomatic negotiations but has also exposed fractures within the European political landscape. The plan reportedly outlines steps toward possible negotiations, security guarantees, reconstruction commitments and mechanisms to prevent renewed Russian aggression. However, several Western European leaders are reportedly skeptical, fearing that premature talks could freeze the conflict on Russia’s terms or pressure Ukraine into concessions that undermine its sovereignty.
International media, including Reuters and the Financial Times, report that Ukraine may soon face a choice between accepting elements of the proposal that could weaken its national dignity or risking diminished support from one of its key partners. Zelensky has vowed to work “calmly and constructively” with the United States while insisting that Ukraine’s dignity, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable. At the same time, he acknowledged that navigating this moment will be extremely difficult as diplomatic, political and military pressures converge.
The president also called for unity within Ukraine, urging politicians and public figures to set aside internal disputes at a time when internal cohesion is crucial. He reminded citizens of the early days of the invasion, when Ukraine stood alone against one of the world’s largest armies and shocked the world with its resilience. Today, he warned, the country must remain just as united to secure what he described as a “worthy peace” — one that does not come at the expense of Ukraine’s identity or its future.
Zelensky’s message reflects the gravity of the situation facing Ukraine as winter approaches, resources grow strained, and negotiations intensify behind the scenes. With key decisions looming and the international environment shifting, Ukraine’s next steps could shape not only the trajectory of the war but also the political landscape of Europe in the months ahead.
Image: Sergei Supinsky/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
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