'No, when asked...':Trump says Ukraine proposal is not final offer; Zelenskyy stunned by...

Key Concepts

• 28-Point Plan: A proposed framework for ending the Russia-Ukraine war, allegedly developed by US and Russian officials, requiring Ukraine to make concessions on weapons and territory.
• Capitulation: The act of surrendering or yielding, often used by European and Ukrainian officials to describe the terms of the 28-point plan.
• Dignity and Freedom: Core values for Ukraine, emphasized by President Zelenskyy as non-negotiable elements in any peace settlement.
• Sovereignty and Independence: The fundamental rights of Ukraine, which President Zelenskyy has pledged to defend.
• Constructive Search for Solutions: Ukraine's stated approach to negotiations with partners, aiming to find mutually agreeable outcomes.
• National Ukrainian Interest: The paramount consideration in Ukraine's decision-making regarding peace negotiations.
• Shield for Europe: Ukraine's role in defending Europe from Russian aggression.
• Unity: A critical factor for Ukraine's resilience and success in negotiations and defense.
• Day of Dignity and Freedom: A Ukrainian national holiday celebrating the country's values and resilience.

The 28-Point Peace Plan and Ukraine's Dilemma

The transcript discusses a purported 28-point plan aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This plan, allegedly developed by Russian and US officials with backing from Trump, reportedly requires Kyiv to partially surrender both weapons and territory. While Washington has not officially confirmed the proposal and Moscow has publicly denied its existence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that his office had received a draft. Reports suggest this document echoes many of Moscow's demands made shortly after the full-scale invasion in early 2022. Notably, Kyiv was excluded from the drafting process.

Former President Trump has suggested that the upcoming US Thanksgiving holiday would be an acceptable deadline for Zelenskyy to sign the deal. However, European and Ukrainian officials have characterized these terms as a "capitulation."

President Zelenskyy's Address: A Difficult Choice

In a somber 10-minute address, President Zelenskyy articulated the immense pressure Ukraine is facing. He stated that the country is at one of the most difficult moments in its history, with pressure on Ukraine being among the greatest ever faced. He presented Ukraine with a "very difficult choice":

• Option 1: Loss of Dignity: This implies accepting terms that compromise Ukraine's sovereignty, freedom, and justice, potentially involving concessions on territory or weapons as outlined in the 28-point plan.
• Option 2: Risk of Losing a Key Partner: This refers to the potential alienation of the United States, a crucial ally, if Ukraine does not agree to the proposed terms, especially if the US administration is intent on concluding the conflict on Moscow's terms.

Zelenskyy highlighted the difficult trade-off between a "complicated 28 points" and an "extremely hard winter, the hardest yet and further risks. A life without freedom, without dignity, without justice." He also raised concerns about trusting an entity that has attacked Ukraine twice.

Ukraine's Commitment to Sovereignty and Dignity

President Zelenskyy firmly reiterated his unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, referencing his oath of allegiance taken on May 20, 2019. He stated, "I, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, elected by the will of the people as president of Ukraine, pledge with all my actions to defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, to uphold the rights and freedoms of citizens, to abide by the constitution and laws of Ukraine, to fulfill my duties in the interests of all compatriots, and to raise the authority of Ukraine in the world." He emphasized that this is not a mere formality but a sacred oath he will never betray.

He stressed that the "national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account." Ukraine's approach, he explained, will be to "calmly work with America and all our partners" in a "constructive search for solutions." He intends to present arguments, persuade, and offer alternatives, but crucially, "we will certainly not give the enemy any reason to say that Ukraine does not want peace, that it is Ukraine disrupting the process, or that Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy."

Zelenskyy pledged that Ukraine will work "quickly... around the clock" to ensure that at least two points are not omitted from any plan: the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians. He asserted that "everything else is based on this. Our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people, and the Ukrainian future."

Ukraine as Europe's Shield and the Importance of Partnership

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's critical role as a "shield separating comfortable European life from Putin's plans." He appealed to European friends, reminding them that Russia is not distant but borders the EU, and Ukraine is currently the sole barrier. He expressed gratitude for past European support and confidence in its continuation, stating, "We remember Europe was with us. We believe Europe will be with us."

He recalled the isolation felt on February 24th, when Ukraine stood alone against Russia, and highlighted the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people. While acknowledging the world's admiration for Ukrainian fighters, he stressed that "Ukrainians are above all people." He detailed the immense sacrifices made over nearly four years of full-scale invasion, holding back one of the world's largest armies along a front line stretching for thousands of kilometers, enduring constant attacks and daily losses. He warned that even the strongest can break, urging continued support for Ukraine's dignity and freedom.

Call for National Unity and an End to Infighting

President Zelenskyy issued a strong call for national unity among all Ukrainians – citizens, politicians, and everyone else. He urged them to "pull ourselves together, get a grip, and stop the infighting, stop the political games." He stressed the need for the state to function, for the parliament to work in unity, and for the government to operate effectively. He reminded everyone to "not forget or confuse who exactly is Ukraine's enemy today."

He drew a parallel to the early days of the war, recalling how various plans and ultimatums were presented, some with threats of elimination. He stated that he did not betray Ukraine then and would not do so now, feeling the support of every Ukrainian. He expressed certainty that in this difficult moment, he is not alone, as Ukrainians believe in their state and are united. This unity, he believes, will make it easier to achieve a just peace and persuade partners.

The Coming Week: Challenges and Resilience

Zelenskyy warned that the coming week would be "very challenging, full of events." He acknowledged that there would be significant pressure – political, informational, and of all kinds – aimed at weakening Ukraine and sowing discord. He stated that the enemy is actively working to prevent Ukraine's success. However, he expressed confidence that Ukraine will succeed because those who seek to destroy them "know little about us. They do not understand who we really are, what we stand for, what we are about, and what kind of people we are."

He referenced the celebration of the "day of dignity and freedom as a national holiday" as evidence of Ukraine's identity and values. He concluded by emphasizing the need to work on the diplomatic front and within Ukraine for peace, dignity, and freedom, expressing his belief that he is not alone, supported by the people, society, warriors, partners, and allies. He ended with "Happy day of dignity and freedom. Glory to Ukraine."