President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Friday that the country faces one of the toughest moments in its history, as international pressure mounts and Washington circulates a controversial draft peace plan.

Speaking on the Day of Dignity and Freedom, Zelensky framed the stakes bluntly in a video address that lasted 10 minutes:

“Either the difficult 28 points, or an extremely harsh winter. A life without freedom, without dignity, without justice. And to trust someone who has already attacked us twice.”

The address, recorded against the backdrop of a rainy Kyiv ravaged by blackouts, came as Ukraine confirmed the receipt of a draft from US representatives on Thursday, with media reports suggesting it includes 28 points amounting to Kyiv’s surrender. A top Kyiv official said on Friday morning that Ukraine is deliberating over the deal.

Reuters, citing “two people familiar with the matter,” reported Friday that parts of the strategy involve threatening to cut arms aid and intelligence crucial to Kyiv’s defense against Moscow’s invasion.

The timeline mirrors a US official’s comments to Axios that President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll had “agreed on an aggressive timeline for signature” on the deal during their meeting on Thursday.

In his Friday speech, however, Zelensky said Ukraine will defend its sovereignty and national interests. He recalled the oath he took as president in 2019, pledging to protect the country’s independence and the rights of its citizens.

“For me, this is not a ceremonial formality. Every day, every word of that vow I uphold. I will never betray it,” he said.

Kyiv relies heavily on US weaponry and technological support, with Zelensky having highlighted the Patriot air-defense systems’ crucial role in countering regular Russian missile strikes on civilian targets in previous appeals for aid.

Zelensky calls for unity amid pressure

Zelensky warned that the coming week will be tough, with political and information campaigns aimed at weakening and dividing Ukrainians.

“We are steel, but even the strongest metal can break. Don’t forget that. Stand with Ukraine, stand with our people,” he said.

Zelensky also issued a cryptic call for help from Kyiv’s European partners by reminding Europe that Ukraine is the frontline shield protecting the EU from Putin’s ambitions.

“We cannot allow a repeat of Feb. 24, when Ukraine faced the aggressor alone,” Zelensky said.

The president vowed to work nonstop to ensure any peace deal respects Ukraine’s core values: dignity, freedom, sovereignty, independence, its land, and its people.

“I will present arguments, propose alternatives, but we will not give the enemy any reason to claim that Ukraine is unwilling to make peace or engage diplomatically,” he said.

He added that the support of the people, soldiers, and society gives him the strength to secure a “dignified, effective, and lasting peace” with the United States and other partners.

“We will work in the diplomatic arena for our peace. We must act united inside Ukraine – for our peace, our dignity, our freedom,” Zelensky wrapped up his call for unity in what might be interpreted as a subtle hint to his ongoing political crisis.