President Zelensky has vowed not to betray Ukraine’s interests in a US-led peace process aiming to bring an end to the war with Russia.
The Ukrainian president has promised to propose “alternatives” to Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan, but warned that Kyiv faced a difficult choice between losing a key partner and its national dignity at one of the most perilous moments in its history.
It is understood US President Trump and President Zelensky will discuss the plans via video call next week.
The United States has presented its 28-point peace plan to Ukraine, which reportedly states Ukraine must cede the entirety of Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk to Russia - despite Ukraine still controlling a third of the latter - and will see Ukraine’s military reduced from 880,000 troops to 600,000.
Under the proposal, part of Russia’s frozen assets would fund Ukraine’s recovery, sanctions on Moscow would be removed, and Washington and Moscow would embark on a series of “long-term” economic deals.
Two people familiar with the matter said Washington threatened to cut key support for Kyiv if it did not agree to the framework of the proposal, according to Reuters news agency.
In a somber video statement, Zelensky pledged to work with the United States on the plan but said he expects more political pressure over the next week.
He urged Ukrainians to remain united in the face of what he said were additional attempts by Russia to derail the peace process.
"Now is one of the most difficult moments of our history. Now, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest," he said.
"Now, Ukraine can face a very difficult choice — either losing dignity or risk losing a major partner."
Sources told Reuters that Washington was putting greater pressure on Ukraine than it had done during any previous discussions, adding that intelligence sharing could also be cut.
It comes after Ukrainian officials were reportedly left “f***ing mind-blown” by the US demands on Kyiv.
Reacting to the plan, a senior lawmaker in Zelensky’s party reportedly said: “Being f***ing mind blown has become our norm.”
It comes as Russia is grinding forward on the battlefield and pounding Ukraine's energy system with missiles and drones as a domestic political crisis unfolds over a massive corruption probe involving senior officials and business elites.
Washington has presented Ukraine with terms that include that Kyiv cede additional territory, curb the size of its military and be barred from joining NATO.
US President Donald Trump said in a radio interview that he thinks Thursday is an appropriate deadline for Ukraine to accept the US-backed peace proposal and bring an end to the conflict.
"I've had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines. But Thursday is we think is an appropriate time," Trump told Fox News Radio’sThe Brian Kilmeade Show on Friday.
Vladimir Putin says Russia has received the US settlement plan for Ukraine.
Speaking at a meeting of the Russian security council in Moscow, he says Donald Trump's proposals were discussed at the two presidents' summit in Alaska in August.
Putin described the recently unveiled 28-point plan as a "modernised" version of them.
Sir Keir Starmer said the UK "must determine its future under its sovereignty" following a call with Mr Zelensky about the US-backed peace plan.
The Prime Minister said he along with French and German leaders had emphasised to Mr Zelensky their support for Ukraine and the "fundamental principle" that Kyiv should be in charge of its own destiny.
Following the call, Sir Keir told broadcasters: "We all want a just and lasting peace. That's what the president of America wants. That's what we all want.
"And so we need to work from where we are to that end.
"But the principle that Ukraine must determine its future under its sovereignty is a fundamental principle."
Sir Keir spoke to Mr Zelensky from South Africa, where it is thought he intends to use his attendance at the G20 summit to shore up support for Kyiv.
