Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Friday that his country stands at “one of the most difficult moments in our history” as it considers a proposed peace plan from the United States. The plan reportedly includes a 28-point framework that could require Ukraine to accept permanent non-alignment with NATO, impose strict limitations on its armed forces, and recognize Russian control over regions such as Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk.
In a video address to the nation, Zelenskyy emphasized the significant pressure Ukraine faces, suggesting that the nation may be forced to accept terms that many would find unacceptable in order to secure peace. He conveyed to his citizens that the choices ahead are stark: “Either a loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner,” referring specifically to the United States. He further elaborated, stating, “Either accepting a difficult 28-point plan, or entering an extremely hard winter — the hardest yet — with further risks beyond it.”
Zelenskyy committed to exploring alternatives to some contentious aspects of the proposed framework through ongoing discussions with U.S. and European leaders. He assured his compatriots that he would uphold his oath to defend Ukraine’s independence, saying, “Among all the points of the plan, at least two must not be overlooked — Ukrainian dignity and Ukrainian freedom.” He called for efforts to ensure that any resolution to the conflict leads to peace rather than the end of Ukraine.
Although the specific details of the 28-point proposal have not been made public, the White House has confirmed its existence. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the plan aims to provide “full security guarantees and deterrence for Ukraine, Europe and Russia” while also addressing the need for financial opportunities for Ukraine’s recovery and for Russia’s reintegration into the global economy. Leavitt characterized the proposal as reflecting the realities of a prolonged conflict, designed to offer a mutually beneficial scenario for both parties.
A version of the proposal shared by Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko and obtained by the Associated Press indicates that Ukraine would need to formalize its non-alignment with NATO, accept restrictions on the size of its military, and acknowledge Russia’s de facto control over contested regions.
On the Russian side, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not officially received the peace plan. He noted that Moscow is still committed to the principles established during an August summit in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Peskov mentioned that some wording in the framework agreed upon in Alaska “may have been revised” and expressed Moscow’s anticipation of being presented formally with the proposal for concrete discussions.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of the U.S. peace plan remain a critical consideration for Ukraine and its leadership. The outcome of these deliberations will not only affect the country’s immediate future but also its long-term sovereignty and stability.
