STORY: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pledged on Friday (November 21) to work fast and constructively with the U.S. on a peace plan to end Ukraine's war with Russia but said he would not betray his country's national interest.

In a video statement, he urged Ukrainians to remain united in what he described as one of the most difficult moments in the country's history, adding that he expected more political pressure over the next week.

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Zelenskiy says Ukraine will work with US on peace plan without betraying interests

VIDEO SHOWS: STATEMENT BY UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT.

SHOWS: KYIV, UKRAINE (NOVEMBER 21, 2025) (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE – Access all)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history. Now the pressure on Ukraine is one of the most difficult. Now Ukraine may find itself facing a very difficult choice. Either the loss of dignity, or the risk of losing a key partner. Either the difficult 28 points, or an extremely difficult winter – the most difficult – and further risks.”

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“The national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account. We are not making loud statements, we will calmly work with America and all partners. There will be a constructive search for solutions with our main partner.”

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“I will present arguments, I will convince, and offer alternatives, but we will definitely not give the enemy a reason to say that Ukraine does not want peace, that it is they disrupting the process, and that Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy.”

6. WHITE FLASH

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“But both Europe and the whole world must understand another truth – that Ukrainians are first and foremost people, and we have been holding back one of the largest armies in the world for almost four years of a full-scale invasion, we hold a front line of several thousand kilometres, our people experience shelling, rocket attacks, ballistic strikes, and suicide bombings every night. Our people lose someone close to them every day, and our people really want the war to end. We are, of course, made of steel. But any metal, even the strongest, may not withstand it.”

8. WHITE FLASH

9. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“And now we also need unity more than ever, so that there is a decent peace in our home. I am addressing all Ukrainians now - our people, citizens, politicians – everyone, we need to get together, come to our senses. Stop the quarrelling. Stop the political games. The state must work. The parliament of a warring country must work unitedly. The government of a warring country must work effectively. And all of us together must not forget and not confuse who exactly is the enemy of Ukraine today.”

10. WHITE FLASH

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“I did not betray Ukraine then, I definitely felt everyone's support behind me. Each of you. Every Ukrainian, every soldier, every volunteer, every doctor, diplomat, journalist, all of our people. We did not betray Ukraine then, we will not do it now. And I know for sure that in this truly one of the most difficult moments in our history, I am not alone.”

12. WHITE FLASH

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

“The next week will be very difficult, eventful. You are a mature, intelligent, conscious people, who have proven this more than once. And who understand that at this time there will be a lot of pressure - political, informational, various pressures. To weaken us. To divide us. The enemy is awake and will do everything to prevent us from succeeding.”