“Either loss of dignity or risk of losing a key partner” – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people in a video message on November 21, 2025 – video/translation

Against the backdrop of discussing the complex 28 points of the plan, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people in a video message on November 21, 2025. The text is also posted on the official resource of the President of Ukraine.

translation by NANews:

“Ukrainians! Ukrainian women!

In the life of every nation, there is a moment when everyone needs to talk. Honestly. Calmly. Without conjectures, rumors, gossip, without anything superfluous. As it is. As I always try to speak with you.

Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history. Now the pressure on Ukraine is one of the heaviest. Now Ukraine may face a very difficult choice. Either loss of dignity or risk of losing a key partner. Either the complex 28 points or an extremely harsh winter — the harshest — and further risks. Life without freedom, without dignity, without justice. And for us to believe the one who has already attacked twice.

They will expect an answer from us. Although, in fact, I have already given it. On May 20, 2019, when, taking the oath of allegiance to Ukraine, I specifically said: “I, Volodymyr Zelensky, elected by the will of the people as President of Ukraine, undertake to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine with all my actions, to defend the rights and freedoms of citizens, to adhere to the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, to fulfill my duties in the interests of all compatriots, to enhance the authority of Ukraine in the world.” For me, this is not a protocol formality for the sake of a checkmark — it is an oath. And every day, I remain faithful to every word of it. And I will never betray it. The national Ukrainian interest must be taken into account.

We do not make loud statements, we will calmly work with America and all partners. There will be a constructive search for solutions with our main partner.

I will present arguments, I will persuade, offer alternatives, but we will definitely not give the enemy reasons to say that it is Ukraine that does not want peace, that it is disrupting the process, and that Ukraine is not ready for diplomacy. This will not happen.

Ukraine will work quickly. Today, on 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, at least two are not missed — the dignity and freedom of Ukrainians. Because everything else is based on this — our sovereignty, our independence, our land, our people. And the Ukrainian future.

We will and must do everything so that as a result, the war ends and there is no end to Ukraine, to Europe, and to global peace.

I just spoke with Europeans. We count on European friends who clearly understand that Russia is not somewhere far away, that it is near the borders of the EU, that Ukraine is now the only shield separating comfortable European life from Putin’s plans. We remember: Europe was with us. We believe: Europe will be with us.

Ukraine should not see déjà vu on February 24, when there was a feeling that we were alone. When no one could stop Russia except our heroic people who stood as a wall against Putin’s army.

And we were certainly very pleased when the world said: Ukrainians are incredible; my God, what they are, Ukrainians, how they fight, how Ukrainians struggle; what titans they are. And this is true. Absolutely. But Europe and the whole world must understand another truth — that Ukrainians are, first of all, people, and for almost four years of full-scale invasion, we have been holding back one of the largest armies in the world, and we hold a front line of several thousand kilometers, and our people experience shelling, missile attacks, ballistic strikes, and Shahed strikes every night, and our people lose someone close to them every day, and our people very much want the war to end. We are, of course, steel. But any, even the strongest metal, can fail.

Do not forget this, be with Ukraine, be with our people, which means — be with dignity and freedom!

Dear Ukrainians!

Remember that first day of the war. Most of us made a choice. A choice in favor of Ukraine. Remember our feelings then. How was it? Dark, noisy, heavy, painful, for many — scary, but the enemy did not see our backs running away. He saw our eyes full of readiness to fight for our own. This is dignity. This is freedom. And this is actually the scariest thing that can be for Russia — to see the unity of Ukrainians.

Then our unity was aimed at protecting our home from the enemy.

And now unity is also needed as never before, so that there is a worthy peace in our home.

I am now addressing all Ukrainians. Our people, citizens, politicians — everyone. We need to gather. Pull ourselves together. Stop the squabble. Stop 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 we all together must not forget and not confuse who exactly today is the enemy of Ukraine.

I remember how on the first day of the war, various envoys conveyed to me different plans, points, ultimatums regarding the end of the war. They said: either this way or no way. Either you sign this, or you will simply be liquidated, and the “acting President of Ukraine” will sign it instead of you.

How it ended is known. Many of these envoys became part of the exchange fund and went along with their proposals and points “home, to the native harbor.”

I did not betray Ukraine then, I felt the support of each one behind me. Each of you. Each Ukrainian, each soldier, each volunteer, each medic, diplomat, journalist, our entire 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. That Ukrainians believe in their state, that we are united. And in all formats of future meetings, discussions, negotiations with partners, it will be much, much easier for me to achieve a worthy peace for us and to convince them, knowing one hundred percent: behind me is the people of Ukraine. 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 and deserve to see from there that their children and grandchildren will live in a worthy world. And this world will be. Worthy, effective, long-lasting.

Dear Ukrainians!

The next week will be very difficult, eventful.

You are an adult, 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. To weaken us. To divide us. The enemy does not sleep and will do everything so that we do not succeed.

Will we let them do this? We have no right. And we will succeed. Because those who seek to destroy us do not know us well. They do not understand who we really are, what we are about, what we stand for, what kind of people we are. We do not in vain celebrate the Day of Dignity and Freedom at the level of a state holiday. This speaks of who we are. What our values are.

We will work on the diplomatic field for our peace. We must work unitedly within the country for our peace. For our dignity.

For our freedom. And I believe, and I know that I am not alone. With me are our people, society, warriors, partners, allies, all our people. Worthy. Free. United.

Happy Day of Dignity and Freedom!

Glory to Ukraine!“