KYIV — Ukraine faces a hard choice at a pivotal point in its almost four-year fight to defeat Russia’s full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky told Ukrainians in a national address Friday, pledging to hold constructive discussions with Washington on a US peace proposal in what he called “truly one of the most difficult moments in our history.”

The US plan contains many of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s longstanding demands while offering limited security guarantees to Ukraine. It foresees Ukraine handing over territory to Russia, something Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out, reduces the size of its army and blocks its coveted path to NATO membership.

US President Donald Trump, in a radio interview on Friday, said that he wants an answer from Zelensky on his 28-point plan by Thursday, but added that an extension is possible to finalize terms.

“I’ve had a lot of deadlines, but if things are working well, you tend to extend the deadlines,” Trump said in an interview on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio. “But Thursday is it — we think an appropriate time.”

While Zelensky has offered to negotiate with the US and Russia, he signaled Ukraine may not get everything it wants and must confront the possibility of losing American support if it makes a stand.

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

“We do not make loud statements. We will work calmly with America and all partners,” he said, but insisted on fair treatment.

“Ukraine’s national interest must be taken into account,” he said.

He urged Ukrainians to “stop fighting” each other, in a possible reference to a major corruption scandal that has brought fierce criticism of the government, and said the peace talks next week “will be very difficult.”

Zelensky spoke earlier by phone with the leaders of Germany, France and the United Kingdom, who assured him........

© The Times of Israel