Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Kyiv risks losing US support over a White House plan on how to end the war with Russia.
Addressing the nation on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner, adding that today is one of the most difficult moments in our history.
The widely leaked US peace plan includes proposals that Kyiv had previously ruled out: ceding eastern areas it now controls, significantly cutting its army size, and pledging not to join Nato.
These provisions are seen as heavily slanted towards Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin said the plan could be a basis for peace settlement.
At Friday's meeting with his security cabinet, Putin stated that Moscow had received the plan and was willing to show flexibility while also prepared to continue fighting.
US President Donald Trump mentioned that Zelensky would have to like the plan, warning that otherwise Ukraine and Russia would continue fighting.
Ukraine depends critically on US-made advanced weaponry and intelligence, especially to repel Russian air assaults.
In his 10-minute address at the presidential office in Kyiv, Zelensky urged Ukrainians to remain united and emphasized that the country's national interest must be taken into account.
He reassured the public of continuous support from allies, including a call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders, reiterating that Ukraine's future must remain in its sovereignty.
The 28-point US peace plan proposes a withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from certain eastern areas, limiting the military personnel, and entails significant geopolitical implications.
