 "Ukraine faces tough choice between national dignity and losing US over peace plan, says Zelenskyy in address to nation")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday warned that Kyiv faces intense pressure over a US proposal to end the war with Russia, stressing that his country risks losing the support of key ally the United States over Washington’s plan to end the war with Russia.
According to The Guardian report, in a video address to the nation posted on social media, Zelenskyy described the coming days as “very difficult” for Ukraine, as political pressure mounts from the United States to secure agreement on its peace plan.
“Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” The Guardian quoted Zelenskyy as saying.
He emphasised that while he is committed to working constructively with the US, he will not compromise Ukraine’s national interests or sovereignty.
The president signaled that Kyiv would seek amendments to the proposed deal to prevent Moscow from claiming that Ukraine is unwilling to pursue peace.
“I will present arguments, I will persuade, I will propose alternatives,” he was quoted as saying.
Recalling the country’s response to the Russian invasion in February 2022, Zelenskyy said, “We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now,” framing the current situation as another critical moment in the nation’s history.
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View AllMeanwhile, Zelenskyy held a call with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday as he warned Kyiv risked a rupture of ties with Washington.
According to AFP, a Ukrainian presidential source said the call ended a while ago, without elaborating on the discussion, as Kyiv and its European allies scramble to respond to the 28-point plan that adheres to many of Moscow’s demands.
The US is pressuring Ukraine to accept the framework of a US-brokered peace deal with Russia within the next week and has warned that key military and intelligence support could be curtailed if Kyiv resists, according to a Reuters report, citing two sources familiar with the discussions.
The reported ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s efforts to push the warring sides toward negotiations after more than two-and-a-half years of conflict.
According to one source, the Trump administration wants Ukraine to sign on to the basic terms by next Thursday — a move that would represent the most forceful US intervention yet in shaping Kyiv’s negotiating stance as its battlefield position grows increasingly strained.
With inputs from agencies
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