ISTANBUL 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday cautioned that the country is entering “one of the most difficult moments” of its modern history, saying Kyiv may soon face a hard choice between “losing dignity” or risking “the loss of a key partner” as discussions continue on a draft proposal aimed at ending the war with Russia.

In a national address, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is under “one of the toughest pressures,” stressing that he remains bound by his oath to defend the country’s sovereignty and independence.

“For me, this is not a protocol formality … It is an oath. And I will never betray it. The national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account,” he said.

He emphasized that Kyiv will continue “calm and constructive work” with Washington and other partners, pledging to present arguments and alternatives in talks without giving Russia a reason to claim that Ukraine is obstructing diplomacy.

Zelenskyy said he will work around the clock in the coming days to ensure that at least two principles are never compromised.

“Among all the points of the plan, at least two cannot be missed—the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians—because everything else rests on them,” he said.

The president warned that the coming weeks would be “very difficult,” particularly with winter conditions compounding the strain of continued Russian strikes.

He urged citizens, political forces, and state institutions to avoid internal disputes and maintain unity.

“We need unity more than ever so that there is a worthy peace in our home … Stop the political games. The state must work,” he said.

He also thanked European partners for their continued support, noting that Ukraine serves as a “shield” protecting the continent from Russian ambitions. “We believe Europe will be with us,” he said.

Zelenskyy stressed that unity at home strengthens his hand in upcoming diplomatic engagements.

“In all formats of future meetings and negotiations with partners, it will be much easier for me to achieve a decent peace, knowing that behind me are the people of Ukraine,” he said.

US-drafted plan

The reported US proposal outlines a series of major concessions by Kyiv in exchange for new security arrangements.

Under the draft, Ukraine would formally renounce NATO membership by writing the commitment into its constitution, while the alliance would pledge not to admit the country.

The plan also envisages restructuring Ukraine’s military, reducing troop numbers to around 600,000.

Territorially, Ukraine would recognize Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk as de facto Russian-controlled, while Kherson and Zaporizhzhia would remain in a “frozen” status along existing lines.

Parts of Donbas held by Ukrainian forces would become a demilitarized buffer zone under international oversight.

In return, Ukraine would receive US-led security guarantees as an alternative to NATO membership, though details remain limited.

The draft also foresees a reconstruction package financed partly through frozen Russian assets and a pathway for Moscow’s gradual reintegration into global economic structures if it adheres to the settlement.