Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his country’s long-awaited “Victory Plan” to Parliament on Wednesday, urging the nation to remain unified amid the intensifying conflict with Russia and the looming uncertainty of the U.S. presidential election.
The plan, aimed at ending the war by next year, hinges heavily on continued Western support and includes a contentious bid for NATO membership, which may prove challenging for some allies to accept.
The five-point plan calls for Ukraine’s immediate invitation to join NATO, a proposal Zelensky believes would solidify international resolve against Russian aggression. However, NATO membership remains a divisive issue among member states, given the ongoing conflict.
The AP reports that admission would activate NATO’s Article 5, committing members to defend Ukraine and potentially drawing the alliance into direct confrontation with Russia. While NATO previously declared Ukraine on an “irreversible” path to membership, many allies, including the U.S. and Germany, hesitate to make that move while hostilities persist.
Zelensky presented his plan to his key allies during a recent tour across Europe and emphasised the need for “non-nuclear deterrence” capable of destroying Russian military capabilities. He also mentioned a confidential addendum to this point, which has been shared with top Western leaders but kept classified from the public.
In a bid to solidify Ukraine’s role in global energy and defence, the plan includes an economic aspect focusing on the country’s natural resources. Ukraine is rich in minerals like uranium, lithium, and titanium, which Zelensky said are key to rebuilding the economy and could strengthen partnerships with the European Union and the United States.
The Kyiv Independent says that Zelensky’s plan suggests these assets could be jointly exploited with allies, offering an economic incentive for their support. Russian forces have targeted these resources, and Zelensky argues they should be secured as part of a larger post-war reconstruction effort backed by Western allies.
The final aspect of the plan involves restructuring Ukraine’s post-war security to benefit NATO. Reuters reports that Zelensky envisions Ukrainian troops eventually replacing some U.S. forces stationed in Europe, thus integrating Ukraine into a framework that would help counter future Russian threats.
Despite these ambitious proposals, Zelensky’s plan faces significant hurdles. Western nations, distracted by other global conflicts, are exhibiting signs of “support fatigue,” the AP says.
Additionally, the upcoming U.S. election adds further uncertainty. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, has pledged to end the war swiftly if reelected. This prospect has prompted Zelensky to emphasise the urgency of his plan, framing it as an effort to reach peace before international support wanes further.
As Zelensky delivered his speech, the conflict’s intensity continued to escalate. Russian forces captured two villages in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to Australia’s ABC.
The fall of Krasnyi Yar and Nevske highlights the challenges that Ukrainian forces face in maintaining territorial control as they grapple with Russia’s incremental, yet persistent advances. Amid these developments, Ukrainian officials ordered the evacuation of Kupiansk, a strategic rail hub in Kharkiv, as shelling rendered essential services unsustainable.
The capture of these villages marks a grim backdrop to Zelensky’s ambitious plan. Despite the setbacks, Zelensky remains determined that, with unity and international backing, Ukraine can still win.
