Ukraine faces ‘loss of dignity or loss of a partner’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a stark address to the nation today, drawing deliberate parallels with his wartime speech on the morning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Speaking outside the Presidential Office in Kyiv, he told Ukrainians that the country now stands at “one of the most difficult moments in its history” and may be forced into “a very tough choice”, referring to the ultimatum given by the United States.

He warned that Ukraine is under “some of the heaviest pressure yet” and may face a binary decision: “either the loss of our dignity or the risk of losing a key partner.” Without naming the United States directly, he made clear the stakes: accept “the difficult 28 points” being pushed by allies, or face “an extremely hard winter – the hardest yet – and the dangers that follow.”

Zelensky stressed that he had already given his answer years ago when he took the presidential oath. Recalling his 2019 inauguration, he quoted the pledge he made to “defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine” and insisted he would “never betray it.”

He promised intensive diplomatic efforts with Washington and other partners, saying Ukraine would not be painted as unwilling to pursue peace. “We will work calmly with the United States and with all our partners,” he said. “I will lay out the arguments. I will persuade. I will offer alternatives.”

But he set clear red lines: “Among all the points of the plan, at least two cannot be overlooked: the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.”

Turning to Europe, Zelensky said he had spoken with EU leaders and urged them to remember that Ukraine remains “the only shield” between Russia and the European Union. “We believe: Europe will stand with us,” he added.

The president combined diplomatic messaging with a sharp appeal for national unity, warning against political infighting as international pressure intensifies. “We need to pull ourselves together,” he said. “Quit the squabbling. Stop the political games. The state must function.”

He cautioned that the coming days would bring “enormous pressure – political, informational, all kinds – designed to weaken us.” Ukraine, he said, must not allow the Kremlin to exploit domestic division.

Zelensky ended by invoking the early days of the full-scale invasion, urging citizens to recall how “the enemy did not see our backs running away. They saw our eyes full of resolve.” The same unity, he argued, is essential now if Ukraine is to secure “a dignified peace.”

“Our people are with me,” he said. “Dignified. Free. United.”