Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Ukrainians for unity and vowed he would never betray Ukraine, in a solemn address to the nation after the US presented Kyiv with a peace plan that endorses key Russian demands.

Speaking in the street outside his office, a location he uses only rarely for major addresses, the Ukrainian president said his country was trying to preserve its freedom while retaining the support of its most important ally.

"Now is one of the most difficult moments of our history. Now, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest. Now, Ukraine can face a very difficult choice — either losing dignity or risk losing a major partner," he said.

"I will fight 24/7 to ensure that at least two points in the plan are not overlooked — the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians."

Washin

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