America has presented Ukraine with a so-called “peace plan” — a 28-point document that reads less like a roadmap to justice, and more like a wishlist written by the Kremlin. A plan soaked in russian influence, built on concessions to an aggressor, and shaped entirely around what the kremlin wants.

It is not a peace plan.

It is a betrayal.

A betrayal not only of Ukraine — the country fighting and bleeding on the frontline of global democracy — but a betrayal of Europe, of our collective security, and of the future we thought we were defending together.

Because what this document ultimately signals is horrifyingly simple:

A green light for terrorism.

A reward for aggression.

An invitation to tyrants everywhere that if you destroy enough lives, the world will eventually give you what you want.

I will not stand for this.

Ukraine cannot stand for this.

And Europe must not stand for this.

Signing such a plan would be equivalent to signing the death certificate of democracy across continents. It would shatter every principle the free world claims to uphold.

Today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Ukrainian people — and the world — with what may be the most consequential speech since his first address on the night of russia’s full-scale invasion. A speech born not of fear, but of clarity. A speech everyone should listen to with full attention.

Because there is only one aggressor in this war: russia.

And that is exactly where the pressure must remain — something the United States is now failing at in the most dangerous way possible.

It may seem, from this proposal, that America has fallen to russia’s level.

But make no mistake: Ukraine will not.

Here is the full transcript of President Zelenskyy’s address:

Ukrainians,

There is a moment in the life of every nation when everyone needs to talk honestly, calmly, without speculation, rumors, gossip, without all the unnecessary noise.

The way I alway try to speak to you.

This is one of the most difficult moments in our history.

The pressure on Ukraine is currently one of the heaviest.

Now Ukraine may face a very difficult choice. Either the loss of our dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner.

Either 28 difficult points, or an extremely difficult winter — the most difficult, with further risks.

Life without freedom, life without dignity, life without justice. And that we would have to believe the one who has attacked us twice already.

They will be waiting for a response from us. Although, in fact, I already gave it on May 20, 2019, while swearing allegiance to Ukraine, when I stated, in particular:

“I, Volodymyr Zelensky, have been elected President of Ukraine by the will of the people.

I undertake to defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine with all my actions; to uphold the rights and freedoms of citizens; to abide by the Constitution and the laws of Ukraine; to fulfill my duties in the interests of all compatriots; to raise Ukraine’s authority in the world.”

For me, this is not a protocol formality —The scripture is an oath. And every day I remain faithful to every word of this oath. I will never betray it.

The national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account. We are not making loud statements; we will work calmly with America and all partners.

There will be a constructive search for solutions with our main partner.

I will give arguments, I will convince, I will offer alternatives, but we certainly won’t give the enemy reasons to say that “Ukraine does not want peace,” that it is we who are “disrupting the process,” and that “Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy.” This will not happen.

Ukraine will work quickly — today, Saturday and Sunday, all next week, and as long as it takes, in 24/7 mode.

I will fight to ensure that among all the points of the plan there are at least two aspects that are missing:

• The dignity and freedom of Ukrainians.

Because that is what everything else is based on — our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people, and the Ukrainian future.

We will, and must, do everything to ensure that the war ends. And that the end of Ukraine, the end of Europe, and the end of global peace – does not happen.

I just spoke to the Europeans —we are counting on European friends who clearly understand that russia is not far away, that it is close to the EU borders, that Ukraine is now the only shield separating a comfortable European life from Putin’s plans.

We remember — Europe was with us. We believe that Europe will be with us.

Ukraine should not experience déjà vu from February 24, when there was a feeling that we were alone — when no one could stop russia except our heroic people, who stood like a wall against Putin’s army.

And we were certainly very grateful, when the world said:

“Ukrainians — they are incredible. My God, what kind of Ukrainians they are…how they fight…how Ukrainians fight…what titans they are.”

And that’s true, absolutely. But both Europe and the whole world must understand another truth:

That Ukrainians are, first and foremost, people.

And we have been holding back a full-scale invasion for almost four years — one of the largest armies in the world.

And we hold a front line of several thousand kilometers. And our people experience shelling, rocket attacks every night, ballistic strikes, Shahed strikes.

And our people lose someone — their loved ones — every day. And our people really, really want this war to end.

We are, of course, made of steel, but any metal, even the strongest, may not withstand everything. Don’t forget about it.

Be with Ukraine, be with our people, be with dignity and freedom.

Dear Ukrainians, remember the first day of the war. Most of us made a choice — the choice in favor of Ukraine.

Remember our feelings then. How was it?

It was dark, loud, difficult, painful, frightening for many. But the enemy did not see our fleeing backs. He saw our eyes — full of readiness to fight for what was ours.

And this is dignity. This is freedom. And this is, in fact, the worst thing that could happen to russia — to see the unity of Ukrainians.

Back then, our unity was aimed at protecting our home from the enemy. And now we also need unity — more than ever — so that we achieve a decent peace at home.

I am addressing all Ukrainians now — our people, citizens, politicians, everyone.

We need to pull ourselves together, come to our senses, stop the division, stop the political games. The state must work. The parliament of a warring country must work together.

The government of a warring country must work effectively.

And all of us — all of us together — must not forget and must not confuse who exactly is the enemy of Ukraine today.

I remember how on the first day of the war different “walkers” brought different plans to me.

The points, the ultimatums were about ending the war. They said: either yes or no. Either you sign it, or you will simply be liquidated, and the President of Ukraine will sign this instead of you.

We know how it ended. Many of these “walkers” became part of the exchange fund and went along with their suggestions —their items “home to russia.”

I didn’t betray Ukraine then. I definitely felt, on my own shoulders, the support of each and every one of you — every Ukrainian man and woman, every soldier, every volunteer, every medic, diplomat, journalist, all of our people.

We didn’t betray Ukraine then — we won’t do it now.

And I know for sure that this is really one of the hardest moments of our history. I am not alone in this.

Ukrainians believe in their state. We are united. And in all formats of future meetings, discussions, negotiations with partners, it will be much easier for me to achieve a decent peace for us and convince them 100%, knowing that the people of Ukraine are behind me — millions of our people who have dignity, who fight for freedom, and who deserve peace.

All our fallen heroes, who gave their lives for Ukraine — who are now in heaven — deserve to see from there that their children and grandchildren will live in dignified peace.

And this peace will be worthy, effective, and long-lasting.

Dear Ukrainians, the next week will be very difficult, eventful. You are adults, intelligent, conscious people who have proven this more than once.

And I understand that there will be a lot of pressure at this time — political, informational, various pressures —to weaken us, to divide us.

The enemy is awake and will do everything to prevent us from succeeding.

Are we going to let them do this?

We have our right. And we will succeed. Those who seek to destroy us know us poorly —they don’t understand who we really are, what we are about, what we stand for, what kind of people we are.

It is not for nothing that we celebrate this day as a national holiday — the Day of Dignity and Freedom.

It says something about who we are, what our values are.

We will work in the diplomatic field for our peace. We must work together within Ukraine for the sake of our peace, for the sake of our dignity, for the sake of our freedom.

And I believe — and I know — that I am not alone. With me are our people, society, soldiers, partners, allies. All our people — worthy, free, and united.

Happy Dignity and Freedom Day.

Glory to Ukraine!