Dramatic address by Zelensky: "We must choose… We have two options" VIDEO

Zelensky says Ukraine faces a choice between losing its main partner, the U.S., or the country’s dignity.

“Right now, we are experiencing one of the most difficult moments in our history. At this moment, Ukraine may have to make an extremely hard choice: either a loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner, or a difficult 28-point plan, or an extremely harsh winter and further risks ahead. A life without freedom, dignity, and justice, and the compulsion to trust someone who has already attacked us twice. Our response will be awaited,” Zelensky said.

“The pressure on Ukraine is currently among the heaviest ever,” he added.

“A constructive search for solutions will be conducted with the United States. I will present arguments, persuade, and offer alternatives, but we will not give the enemy any reason to say that Ukraine is not ready for peace. Of course, we are made of steel, but even the strongest metal can eventually yield. We must come together, reach reason, stop internal conflicts and toxic disputes. The state must act as a unified entity. We must not lose sight of who our real enemy is,” Zelensky said.

He emphasized that he will not betray the national interests of his country.

“We did not betray Ukraine then, and we will not betray it now. I know the people are with me. Next week will be difficult. There will be a lot of pressure—political and informational—to try to divide and destabilize us,” Zelensky said.

This is happening at a time when the Ukrainian leader is facing pressure to accept the Trump administration’s 28-point peace plan to end the war, which includes a series of red lines for Kyiv.