“Either the Difficult 28 Points or an Extremely Hard Winter Ahead”: Ukraine Faces Tough Choices, Zelenskyy Warns

On November 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation regarding the US peace plan, highlighting that Ukraine may soon face an extremely difficult decision.

Speaking about the current situation, he remarked, “Right now, we are at one of the most difficult moments in our history. The pressure on Ukraine is at its peak. Ukraine may soon face a very tough choice. Either the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner.”

Zelenskyy further explained that the critical decision had already been made on May 20, 2019, when he pledged to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.

“Either ‘the difficult 28 points,’ or an extremely hard winter, the toughest one, and further risks,” he added, reaffirming his commitment to his oath. “And every day, I stay true to each word of that oath. I will never betray it. The national interest of Ukraine must be considered. We don't make loud statements. We will calmly work with the US and all our partners.”

The president noted that Ukraine would continue to seek solutions with the US and would propose alternatives, ensuring that “at least two points of the plan are not overlooked.” He emphasized that Ukraine would not allow the enemy to claim that the country is unwilling to pursue peace or diplomacy.

Zelenskyy also underlined that Ukraine is the "only shield" standing between the European way of life and Russian aggression. He recalled the early days of the war, when Ukraine felt isolated, but the resilience of its people stopped Russia's advance.

“Ukraine cannot experience the déjà vu of February 24, when we felt alone. When no one could stop Russia except for our heroic people, who stood as a wall against Putin’s army,” he said.

He reminded the public not to forget or confuse who the real enemy is, recounting how, from the very first days of the war, there were efforts to force him to surrender the country to the enemy, through threats, persuasion, and proposals.

“I remember how on the first day of the war, various envoys came to me with different plans, points, and ultimatums regarding the end of the war. They said either this, or that, or it’s nothing. Either you sign this, or you’ll be eliminated. And this will be signed by the acting president of Ukraine instead of you. How did that end? It’s well known. Many of those envoys became part of the exchange fund and went ‘home to the motherland’ along with their proposals and points,” the president warned.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on all Ukrainians, especially politicians, to “pull themselves together” and “end the political games.” He emphasized that Ukraine is facing one of its most difficult times in history and that everyone must unite against the common enemy.

“I’m addressing all Ukrainians right now. Our people, citizens, politicians—everyone needs to come together, regain composure, stop the infighting, stop the political games. The state must function, the parliament of a country at war must work united, and the government of a country at war must operate effectively,” Zelenskyy stressed.

He concluded by reminding the nation of the solidarity shown at the beginning of the war: “The enemy did not see our backs fleeing. They saw our eyes full of readiness to fight for what is ours. That is dignity. That is freedom. And this is truly the scariest thing for Russia—to see the unity of Ukrainians.”

Earlier, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made an unexpected adjustment to his schedule on Friday to hold an emergency call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders to discuss a US peace plan designed to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

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