Zelensky's Dramatic Address to Ukrainians: These Are the Hardest Moments in Our History, the US Is Exerting Pressure

(Patria) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Ukrainians in a video message, warning that the country is in one of the most critical moments since the start of the war. He spoke about extremely strong political and diplomatic pressure from the United States and the difficult decisions that Kyiv must make in the coming weeks.

"We are now experiencing one of the hardest moments in our history. Right now, Ukraine may have to make an extremely difficult choice: either a loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner. Either a difficult 28-point plan, or an extremely harsh winter, the cruelest, and further risks ahead. Life without freedom, dignity and justice, and being forced to trust someone who has already attacked us twice. They will wait for our answer," Zelensky said.

"The pressure on Ukraine right now is among the toughest ever," he added.

"A constructive search for solutions with the United States will be conducted. I will present arguments, persuade, and offer alternatives, but we will not give the enemy any pretext to say that Ukraine is not ready for peace," the Ukrainian president emphasized.

"We are, of course, made of steel, but even the strongest metal can eventually give way. We must pull ourselves together, come to our senses, stop internal conflicts and toxic squabbles. The state must act as a unified whole. We must not lose sight of who our real enemy is," he said.

He also reflected on the start of the invasion.

"We did not betray Ukraine then, and we will not betray it now. I know the people are with me," Zelensky said.

"The next week will be difficult. There will be a lot of pressure - political and informational, to try to divide and destabilize us," Zelensky said.