Zelensky Rejects US War Settlement Plan: "Won't Betray Ukraine" Amid Territorial Concessions Pressure

The Kremlin expressed confidence in Moscow, warning Zelensky to negotiate or risk losing additional territory.

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky firmly stated on Friday that he would not "betray" his nation as he responded to a US proposal for ending the war on terms that appear favorable to Moscow. He acknowledged the potential risk of losing Washington's alliance in the process.

In an address to the nation shared via social media, Zelensky declared that Ukraine is facing one of its most challenging historical moments. He committed to offering "alternatives" to US President Donald Trump's controversial 28-point plan.

The proposal has alarmed Kyiv and its European allies, as it would essentially force Ukraine into capitulation by requiring territorial concessions, military downsizing, a pledge never to join NATO, and immediate elections.

According to a draft of the plan reviewed by AFP, Russia would not only gain territory but would also be reintegrated into the global economy and reinstated in the G8.

Moscow's Kremlin displayed confidence, issuing threats to Zelensky that failure to negotiate would result in further territorial losses.

"I will present arguments, I will persuade, I will propose alternatives," Zelensky stated firmly.

Reflecting on his leadership during the Russian invasion that began in February 2022, he affirmed: "We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now."

A source from the Ukrainian president's office revealed that Zelensky spoke with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, though details of their discussion were not provided.

The Ukrainian leader also plans to communicate directly with Trump in the "coming days," according to his office's Thursday statement.

Additionally, Zelensky held an emergency call with German, French, and British leaders as Europe, excluded from the negotiation process, scrambled to formulate a response.

The US plan proposes recognizing Moscow-annexed Crimea and occupied eastern Ukraine as "de-facto" Russian territory, and would require Kyiv to withdraw from parts of the Donetsk region still under its control.

The proposal would freeze the front line in the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Ukraine would also be required to limit its army to 600,000 personnel, permanently abandon NATO membership aspirations, and prohibit NATO troop deployments on its soil.

In exchange, Ukraine would receive unspecified "reliable security guarantees" and reconstruction funding from portions of Russia's frozen assets.

Zelensky has been transparent about the difficult position in which Ukraine finds itself regarding these proposals.

"Right now is one of the most difficult moments in our history," Zelensky emphasized in his address, dressed entirely in black.

"The pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest. Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner," he stated, warning about the possibility of a complete rupture with Washington.

Trump's administration has denied allegations that it developed the proposal in collaboration with Moscow, which in turn claimed it had not officially received the draft.

The White House insisted that it presented a "good plan" for both Russia and Ukraine.

Zelensky has sought to rally support from key European allies.

Following their discussion, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized their "unwavering and full support for Ukraine on the path to a lasting and just peace."

The United States bypassed European involvement in developing the plan, causing concern among EU members about the war potentially concluding on Moscow's terms.

Germany's Merz emphasized that Ukraine's army "must remain capable of defending itself."

Berlin stated that the current front line "remains the starting point for any understanding"—contrasting with the US plan that would immediately transfer vast territories to Moscow.

The Kremlin appeared to anticipate victory—either through diplomatic means or battlefield conquest.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov advised Zelensky to "negotiate now" or risk losing more territory.

"The space for the freedom of decision-making is shrinking for him as territories are lost," Peskov remarked.

Moscow has demanded Zelensky's removal since the invasion began. The US plan calls for Ukraine to conduct elections within 100 days.

No official timeline has been established for Ukraine's response to the proposals, though Zelensky has indicated he will speak with Trump in the coming days.

In Kyiv, public opinion is divided over whether Ukraine should engage with the proposal and negotiate for better terms or reject it outright as a demand for surrender.

Yanina, a 41-year-old seamstress, expressed her belief that the proposal would lead nowhere and that the war would continue.

"Neither us or Russia will make concessions," she stated.

Many Ukrainian politicians have openly expressed their outrage at the plan.

"Being fucking mind blown has become our norm," one MP told AFP.