Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels, 17 October 2024 Photo: Video screenshot
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented his “victory plan” in Brussels on Thursday, stressing that Ukraine must be in a position of strength before any negotiations with Russia. This was reported by AFP.
“Ukraine is ready for real diplomacy, but for this we must be strong,” Zelenskyy told the leaders of the 27 EU countries before meeting with NATO defence ministers.
Call for increased support ahead of ‘dangerous winter’
Zelenskyy called on the EU to increase financial and military assistance ahead of the winter, which could be decisive for the future course of the war. He stressed that Ukraine has fulfilled “its tasks” but still needs additional support to counter threats.
Situation at the frontline
More than two and a half years after the start of the Russian invasion, Ukraine is facing difficulties on the frontline, especially in the eastern Donbas region. Russian forces claimed to have captured a village near the town of Kurakove, an important logistical point for the Ukrainian army.
Details of the “victory plan”
Zelenskyy has already presented this plan in Washington, London, Paris, Berlin and Rome. One of the key points is the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western weapons and the deployment of non-nuclear deterrence systems in Ukraine. The Ukrainian president also stressed the need to invite Kyiv to join NATO, as this is the only real guarantee of security for the country.
However, the Alliance has so far limited itself to supporting Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO, without setting specific deadlines for accession.
Western position and challenges
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that everything possible should be done to prevent further escalation, including talks with Putin, but only in coordination with Ukraine.
The Baltic states, on the other hand, called for immediate support for the Ukrainian plan. “This is a war for survival. Russia poses an existential threat to Europe,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
However, several countries are expressing caution due to fears of escalation and financial costs. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda warned that a delay could lead to a new wave of aggression from Russia.
NATO continues to support Ukraine, saying it is working to ensure Kyiv’s victory. However, opinions among the allies differ on how to define “victory,” according to one NATO diplomat.
Zelenskyy hopes that his “victory plan” will not remain on paper, but will lead to concrete actions to end the war.
