Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Kyiv risks losing US support over a White House plan on how to end the war with Russia.


Addressing the nation on Friday, Zelensky said Ukraine might face a very difficult choice: either losing dignity, or risk losing a key partner, adding that today is one of the most difficult moments in our history.


The widely leaked US peace plan includes proposals that Kyiv had previously ruled out: ceding eastern areas it now controls, significantly cutting its army size, and pledging not to join NATO.


These provisions are seen as heavily slanted towards Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin said the plan could be a basis for peace settlement.


At Friday's meeting with his security cabinet, Putin said Moscow had received the plan and was willing to show flexibility but was also prepared to fight on.


Later in the day, US President Donald Trump said Zelensky would have to like the plan, adding that otherwise Ukraine and Russia would continue fighting.


Ukraine is critically dependent on deliveries of US-made advanced weaponry, including air defence systems to repel deadly Russian air assaults, as well as intelligence provided by Washington.


Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.


In his 10-minute address in front of the presidential office in Kyiv, Zelensky warned that Ukraine would face a lot of pressure... to weaken us, to make divide us, adding that the enemy is not sleeping.


Urging Ukrainians to stay united, he stressed that the country's national interest must be taken into account. We're not making loud statements, he went on, we'll be calmly working with America and all the partners... offering alternatives to the proposed peace plan.


Following talks with international leaders, Zelensky expressed he had been reassured regarding ongoing support, affirming the fundamental principle that Ukraine must determine its future independently.


The situation remains tense, reflecting the deep complexities of the ongoing conflict and the balancing act of international diplomacy.