Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a somber video address to the nation on Friday, describing the present diplomatic situation as “one of the most difficult moments” in Ukraine’s history and warning of an imminent “extremely difficult choice” facing the country.

Without directly naming the new U.S.-proposed peace framework, Zelensky alluded to intense external pressure, saying Ukraine could soon be forced to choose “either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.” He contrasted “28 complicated points” with the prospect of “the hardest winter yet — and the risks that follow.”

The remarks come amid growing controversy over a 28-point peace plan approved this week by U.S. President Donald Trump. Ukrainian officials say the document largely reflects long-standing Russian demands, including territorial concessions, sharp reductions in the size of Ukraine’s armed forces, and restrictions on Kyiv’s future international alliances.

In his address posted on Telegram, Zelensky stressed that any decision would prioritize Ukraine’s national interests while maintaining dialogue with allies.

“Ukraine’s national interest must be taken into account,” he said. “We will pursue a calm dialogue with America and all of our partners. There will be a constructive search for solutions with our main partner.”

The Ukrainian leader also issued a strong appeal for domestic unity, urging lawmakers and government officials to end political infighting during wartime.

“We need to pull ourselves together, stop the quarrels, stop the political games,” Zelensky said. “The parliament of a country at war must work in unity. The government must work effectively.”

Trump sets Thanksgiving deadline

Speaking on Fox News Radio on Friday, President Trump expressed hope that Ukraine would sign the agreement by Thanksgiving (November 27), calling the one-week deadline “an appropriate time.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the plan, stating it could “form the basis of a final peace settlement.” Putin claimed a version of the framework had been discussed during his August meeting with Trump in Alaska.

Zelensky confirmed he had spoken Friday with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Army Secretary Douglas Driscoll about the proposal. “We discussed many details of the American side’s proposal to end the war,” the Ukrainian president said, adding that both sides agreed to work jointly with European partners at the advisor level “to make the path to peace truly workable.”

Controversy over aid audit and amnesty clauses

The draft plan initially reportedly called for a comprehensive audit of all international aid sent to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. According to Ukrainian sources, that language was later altered to grant “full amnesty for actions during the war” to all parties.

The change sparked allegations of possible manipulation. Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, publicly denied approving or altering any clauses related to corruption or criminal liability. A senior U.S. official later contradicted Umerov’s claim on Friday, asserting that no such approval or modification had occurred on the Ukrainian side.

Zelensky’s office confirmed receipt of the draft, describing it as a U.S. initiative aimed at restarting stalled diplomatic efforts. The Ukrainian leader is expected to discuss the proposal and Kyiv’s red lines directly with President Trump in the coming days.

As diplomatic maneuvering intensifies, Ukrainians brace for what many fear could be the most consequential decision of the nearly four-year war. (ILKHA)