Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday warned that Ukraine faces a difficult choice between compromising its dignity and freedom or losing US support, as Kyiv considers a US-proposed peace plan aimed at ending the conflict with Russia, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking outside his office, Zelenskyy called for national unity and vowed never to betray the Ukrainian people.

“Now is one of the most challenging moments in our history. Ukraine may face a very difficult choice—either losing dignity or risking the loss of a key partner,” he said. He added that he would work tirelessly to ensure that Ukrainian dignity and freedom are safeguarded in any agreement. CNN reported that a new US-backed peace proposal being discussed could involve Kyiv conceding territory in eastern Donbas and limiting its military capabilities in exchange for security guarantees. The plan, still in development, would require compromises from both Russia and Ukraine, who have been in conflict since 2014, escalating into full-scale war after Russia’s 2022 invasion.

US officials emphasized that elements of the draft, including points seen as favoring Moscow, are not final and may change. The 28-point proposal has been reviewed and supported by former President Donald Trump as part of Washington’s renewed efforts to end the nearly three-year conflict. Some measures, particularly those requiring Ukraine to cede territory not fully controlled by Russia, have previously been rejected by Kyiv.