Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a grave message to the nation on Friday, stating that Ukraine faces a challenging decision between maintaining dignity or risking the loss of a crucial ally. In a video address from a rain-soaked Kyiv, he described the current period as one of the most difficult in the country’s history. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainians must choose between enduring an extremely harsh winter or living without freedom, dignity, and justice.

His remarks came in response to a controversial 28-point peace plan developed by top American officials in collaboration with Russia, which was created without input from Ukraine or European nations. The plan has drawn criticism for its terms, which many view as favoring the Kremlin and demanding Ukraine's capitulation. Allies have expressed concern that accepting such a deal could lead to future conflicts.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Zelenskyy to sign the plan by next Thursday, warning that failure to do so could result in a loss of American support. The plan, which was leaked earlier this week, has been described as a wishlist of demands from Moscow. Russian Envoy Kirill Dmitriev, involved in drafting the plan, expressed optimism, stating that the “Russian position” is “finally being heard.”

The draft proposes that Ukraine cede the remainder of its Donetsk province, where key defensive fortifications are located, and establish a demilitarized buffer zone. It also suggests freezing the frontlines in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces, recognizing all occupied areas, including Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea, as de facto Russian territory. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be limited to 600,000 personnel, a 25% reduction from current numbers, while no limits would be placed on Russia’s military.

The plan prohibits Ukraine from joining NATO or hosting NATO troops, effectively barring any European-led peacekeeping forces. In exchange for these concessions, Ukraine would receive unspecified “reliable security guarantees” from the United States, which would be nullified if Ukraine were to invade Russia or launch missiles without cause.

The proposal also includes the use of $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to create a “Ukraine Development Fund” for reconstruction and resource extraction, with Europe expected to contribute an additional $100 billion. The United States would receive half of the profits from related ventures. Furthermore, the plan suggests reintegrating Russia into the global economy and lifting sanctions gradually.

Some clauses in the agreement have raised concerns, as they appear to legitimize Russian propaganda narratives about Ukraine. For instance, the plan states that “all Nazi ideology and activities must be rejected and prohibited,” echoing Kremlin-sponsored myths about Ukraine.

In exchange for significant territorial and military concessions, Russia would agree to a ceasefire and commit to respecting future territorial arrangements. However, the plan does not currently include a clause offering NATO-style security guarantees, which would only be valid for ten years and could not be extended without Russia’s consent.

Zelenskyy firmly rejected the plan, stating, “They will expect an answer from us. Though the truth is, I already gave that answer.” He recalled the early days of the war when he faced pressure to sign ultimatums. He vowed to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure that the country would not be perceived as sabotaging peace efforts. “We did not betray Ukraine then. We will not betray it now,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s integrity and future.