'Won't betray Ukraine': Zelensky says Kyiv risks losing US support over Trump's plan to end war

This handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on November 21, 2025 shows Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky listening during a phone call with French president, British Prime Minister and German Chancellor while sitting at his office in Kyiv. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will not compromise Ukraine’s core principles or accept a peace plan that amounts to surrender, even as he warned that rejecting the US proposal could strain ties with Washington.

Speaking in an address to the nation on Friday, Zelensky said he would push back against the American plan to end the war with Russia, which has been widely criticised for aligning closely with Moscow’s demands.

“I will present arguments, I will persuade, I will propose alternatives,” Zelensky said, making it clear that Kyiv intends to challenge the framework being promoted by the United States.

Referring to the early days of Russia’s invasion, he added, “We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do so now.”

Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine is caught in a difficult position. He warned that the country could risk losing the support of its most important ally if it refuses to go along with Washington’s approach.

“Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” he said.

The comments came as Zelensky held a phone call with US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. A Ukrainian presidential source confirmed that the call ended about half an hour later but did not provide details about what was discussed.

Kyiv and its European allies are now scrambling to respond to a 28-point peace plan put forward by Washington. Reports indicate that the proposal reflects several of Russia’s longstanding demands, raising concerns that it could weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty and negotiating position.

Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that any settlement must not come at the cost of Ukraine’s independence or territorial integrity. While he has left the door open to dialogue, his latest remarks underline growing unease in Kyiv over the direction of US-led peace efforts.

As diplomatic pressure mounts, Ukraine now faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining Western support and standing firm against a deal it believes could undermine the sacrifices made since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.