UPDATE: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly stated that he will not betray Ukraine’s interests amid a controversial US-led peace proposal. In a critical video address, Zelenskiy described the current situation as one of the most perilous moments in Ukraine’s history, emphasizing that the country now faces a grave choice between losing a vital ally and maintaining its national dignity.
According to sources, the United States has introduced a 28-point peace plan that reportedly endorses some of Russia’s demands, leaving Ukraine’s security guarantees unclear. Alarmingly, US officials have threatened to withdraw key support if Ukraine does not comply with the proposal’s framework. Zelenskiy expressed his commitment to collaborate with the United States but cautioned that increased political pressure is imminent in the coming week.
“Now is one of the most difficult moments of our history,” Zelenskiy declared. “Now, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest. We can face a very difficult choice—either losing dignity or risking the loss of a major partner.”
The urgency of the situation is heightened as Russian forces continue to advance on the battlefield, launching relentless missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This military escalation occurs against the backdrop of a domestic crisis in Ukraine, linked to a substantial corruption investigation involving senior officials and business elites.
Reports indicate that the US has proposed terms that may compel Ukraine to cede more territory, reduce its military capabilities, and prevent it from joining the NATO military alliance. Following a phone conversation with US Vice President JD Vance, Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine will engage with the US and European nations at an advisory level to explore the peace initiative further.
“We agreed to work together with the US and Europe at the level of national security advisors to make the path to peace truly doable,” Zelenskiy stated on social media after the nearly hour-long call. He acknowledged the importance of US President Donald Trump’s desire to end the ongoing bloodshed, expressing a willingness to consider all realistic proposals.
In a recent radio interview, Trump emphasized that Thursday would be an appropriate deadline for Ukraine to accept the US-backed peace plan, stating, “I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines. But Thursday is we think is an appropriate time.”
The international community is now closely monitoring these developments as they unfold. Zelenskiy’s steadfast stance and the potential repercussions of the US proposal could significantly shape the future of Ukraine and its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to evolve. The stakes for Ukraine are higher than ever, and the world is watching.
