Zelenskyy warns Ukraine faces ‘difficult choice’ as US peace plan hits major hurdle
A U.S.-backed framework to end the Ukraine war — assembled by special envoy Steve Witkoff, with input through both Kyiv and Moscow channels — is stirring unease among European allies and putting fresh pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy, who has ruled out recognizing Russian sovereignty over Ukrainian land, delivered one of his starkest public messages yet, warning that Kyiv is entering "one of the most difficult moments in our history."
In remarks released on Friday by Reuters, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is under intense pressure and may soon face what he called "a very difficult choice: either losing its dignity or risking the loss of a key partner. Either 28 difficult points or an extremely difficult winter — the most difficult one yet — and further risks. Life without freedom, without dignity, without justice. And we are expected to trust someone who has already attacked us twice."
Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to remain disciplined as negotiations continue with Washington. "We will not make any loud statements; we will work calmly with America and all our partners," he said. "I will present arguments, I will persuade, I will offer alternatives, but we will definitely not give the enemy any reason to say that Ukraine does not want peace, that it is disrupting the process, and that Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy. That will not happen."
Warning of intensified attempts to divide the country, he said Ukrainians should expect "a lot of pressure — political, informational and other kinds of pressure — to weaken us," but vowed that "we have no right to allow that," and insisted, "we will succeed."
A U.S. official, speaking on background, told Fox News Digital, "It was strongly implied to the Ukrainians that the United States expects them to agree to a peace deal. Any changes will be decided upon by the President himself."
According to multiple outlets, a working draft would require Kyiv to cede the eastern Donbas region to Russia, limit long-range Western strikes inside Russia, and cap Ukraine’s armed forces at roughly 600,000 troops.
The White House says Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been "quietly working" on the plan and engaging both sides. President Donald Trumphas been briefed and supports pushing to finalize the framework by the holidays.
Zelenskyy is preparing for a call with Trump, having already spoken with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice President JD Vance on Friday
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/zelenskyy-warns-ukraine-faces-difficult-160103404.html
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