Zelenskyy: Ukraine at one of most difficult moments of its history

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made an impassioned plea in a video message seemingly in response to the 28-point U.S.-backed plan which would see Kyiv give up some of its territory.

“Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history. Now the pressure on Ukraine is one of the most difficult. Now Ukraine may find itself facing a very difficult choice. Either the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner." he said in the video released on Friday. 

His speech comes after pressure from U.S. officials to accept the plan which says Ukraine would have to limit its army to 600,000 troops and that it would "receive robust security guarantees". 

"This plan was drawn up immediately following discussions with one of the most senior members of President Zelenskyy's administration, Rustem Umerov, who agreed to the majority of the plan, after making several modifications, and presented it to President Zelenskyy," a senior U.S. official said.

Zelenskyy posted on his X account on Friday that discussions were ongoing with the leaders of the UK, France and Germany over the proposed peace plan. 

"We are working on the document prepared by the American side. This must be a plan that ensures a real and dignified peace." he wrote.

He added that national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account saying, "We are not making loud statements, we will calmly work with America and all partners. There will be a constructive search for solutions with our main partner.” 

European leaders had kicked against the conditions of the peace plan with France saying that "Peace cannot be capitulation". 

French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the statement during a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday.

At the start of the week, President Zelenskyy visited France and Greece in an effort to drum up military support for Ukraine. 

He also visited Türkiye where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in an effort to restart stalled peace talks and the possible exchange of prisoners. 

This comes at a time of intensified fighting between Russia and Ukrainian troops and bombardments of Ukraine's energy systems earlier in the week, leading to the death of at least 26 people including three children in Western Ukraine. 

According to Ukraine's Air Force via its Telegram account, Russia launched a total of 524 UAVs including 476 drones and 48 missiles. 

It said that its air defence systems intercepted 442 of the drones and 34 Kh-1010 cruise missiles. 

The Ukrainian leader's administration is also battling a corruptions scandal at home which has led to the dismissal of two ministers as investigations continue.

“The next week will be very difficult, eventful. You are an adult, intelligent, conscious people, who have proven this more than once.

And who understand that at this time there will be a lot of pressure - political, informational, various pressures. To weaken us. To divide us. The enemy is awake and will do everything to prevent us from succeeding.” Zelenskyy said, ending his speech.

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