Zelenskys Stand: Upholding Ukraines Dignity Amid U.S. Pressure to Compromise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted on Friday that he would not «betray» his nation, as he openly opposed a U.S. strategy aimed at concluding the conflict on terms perceived to be advantageous to Russia, even if it meant straining relations with Washington.

In his speech, Zelensky pledged to offer «arguments» and «alternatives» to the 28-point framework put forward by the Trump administration, which left Kyiv and its European allies shocked when details emerged earlier this week.

The proposed plan, which was reviewed by AFP, allegedly calls for Ukraine to relinquish territory, significantly downsize its military, commit to never joining NATO, and conduct snap elections. In exchange, Russia would be permitted to retain the land it has acquired and would benefit from relief from sanctions as well as rejoining the G8.

Zelensky cautioned that Ukraine is navigating one of its «most challenging times» and is being forced to choose between «sacrificing dignity» or «risking the loss of a crucial ally.» He referenced February 2022, affirming, «We did not abandon Ukraine then, and we won’t do so now.»

Zelensky’s office disclosed that he had a conversation with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday and intends to communicate directly with President Donald Trump in the upcoming days.

He also conducted an urgent call with the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany, who have been largely excluded from the U.S.-led negotiations and have expressed concerns over any settlement that involves Ukrainian territorial concessions.

The Trump administration denied collaborating with Russian officials on the proposal, contrary to claims from several media outlets, while the Kremlin indicated that it had not yet received the new ceasefire offer.

The White House characterized the framework agreement as a «beneficial plan» for both parties.

However, some of Ukraine’s European allies have expressed opposition. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine’s military «must retain the ability to defend itself,» while Berlin highlighted that any future negotiations should be based on the current frontline, not the one outlined in the U.S. draft.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov informed reporters during a daily briefing that Zelensky should «engage in negotiations now» or risk losing further territory, adding that his «freedom of decision-making is diminishing in proportion to the land lost» to Russian forces.