US peace plan ‘difficult moment’ for Zelensky

RESIDENT Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that Ukraine has to confront the possibility of losing its dignity or risking the loss of a key partner as it figures out how to respond to a US peace proposal to end Russia's war with his country.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

“This is one of the most difficult moments in our history,’ Zelensky said in a video address to the nation.

“Currently, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest. Ukraine may now face a very difficult choice, either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner”

He said Ukraine would “work calmly with America and all partners,” as he vowed to work constructively.

Zelensky spoke earlier by phone with the leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, who assured him of their continued support, as European officials scrambled to respond to US peace proposals that apparently caught them unawares.

‘The US plan contains many of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s longstanding demands, including Ukrainian territorial concessions, while offering limited security guarantees to Ukraine.

Wary of antagonising US President Donald Trump, the European and Ukrainian responses were cautiously worded and pointedly commended American peace efforts.