Journalism of Courage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Friday that his country could face a “very difficult choice” over whether to stand up for its sovereignty or risk losing crucial American support, as leaders evaluate a US peace proposal that critics say largely favours Russia, reported AP.
After a phone call with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, Zelenskyy said his country will begin talks with the United States and European partners at the level of national security advisers to work on a possible peace plan. He also said Ukraine “has always respected and continues to respect US President Donald Trump’s desire to put an end to the bloodshed, and we view every realistic proposal positively”.
The plan, presented by Trump, includes significant concessions to Moscow, such as ceding territory, reducing the size of Ukraine’s military, and limiting its path to NATO membership: all measures Kyiv has consistently rejected.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautiously welcomed the plan, calling it “a new version” and “a modernised plan” that could form “the basis of a final peace settlement”, reported AP. He added that Ukraine is opposing the proposal while clinging to “illusions” of defeating Russia on the battlefield.
While not rejecting the plan outright, Zelenskyy stressed the need for equitable treatment and pledged to “work calmly” with Washington and other partners in “truly one of the most difficult moments” in their history, reported AP.
“Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner”.
Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, are reviewing the US proposals while coordinating with European allies. Sybiha described a “timely and meaningful collective call” with diplomats from France, Britain, Poland and Finland. According to Reuters, this was to discuss “the elements of peace proposals presented by the United States and our joint work to pave a doable path to a just peace”.
Also Read: What is Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan to end Russia-Ukraine war?
European officials, careful not to antagonise Trump, assured Zelenskyy of continued backing. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised “their unchanged and full support on the way to a lasting and just peace”, according to reports by AP.
Technical discussions between the US and Ukraine are ongoing in Kyiv, and Zelenskyy indicated he expects further talks with Trump in the coming days.
(With inputs from agencies)
