Zelensky Unveils 'Victory Plan' as Ukraine Fights to Retain Sovereignty Amid Intensifying Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has presented a bold and strategic initiative, titled the 'Victory Plan,' aimed at ending Russia's invasion without conceding any territory. Speaking to lawmakers in Kyiv on a pivotal Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized the importance of reinforced Western support, including a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
Since the onset of the invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has managed to fend off Russian forces, but the situation has become increasingly dire as casualties mount and Moscow escalates its attacks on critical infrastructure. An alarming one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory has already been occupied, leading to significant destruction in towns and cities and claiming countless civilian lives.
The core message of Zelensky’s address was unwavering: Ukraine will not entertain any land concessions as a means of securing peace. "Russia must lose the war against Ukraine. This does not imply a ceasefire in fighting, nor does it mean trading away Ukraine’s territory or sovereignty," he firmly stated, while flanked by the flags of the European Union and Ukraine.
A primary focus of the Victory Plan is to enhance Ukraine's integration with NATO, a defense alliance led by the United States. Zelensky posited that Ukraine’s lack of NATO membership has allowed Russia to undermine European security for decades. He called for immediate action, asserting, "The first point is an invitation to NATO."
Moreover, Zelensky urged Western allies to lift restrictions on the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine, thereby enabling Kyiv to target Russian military installations both in occupied areas and within Russia itself. His requests underscore the urgency of the situation, as Russia continues to advance and recently claimed new victories in Eastern Ukraine by capturing two villages.
In stark contrast, the Kremlin swiftly rejected Zelensky’s roadmap, labeling it a transient and unrealistic peace plan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that true peace can only be achieved when Ukraine acknowledges the futility of its current policies.
Zelensky's address was also marked by criticism of countries like China, Iran, and North Korea for providing support to Russia. He commented on North Korea's suspected involvement, suggesting Pyongyang is sending citizens to bolster Russian efforts on the battlefield, denouncing this alliance as a "coalition of criminals."
Kyiv has consistently dismissed rival proposals intended to resolve the conflict, particularly those presented by Brazil and China, arguing they fail to ensure Ukraine's security or respect its territorial integrity. Zelensky reaffirmed that his 'Victory Plan' stipulates a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.
In further developments, Zelensky noted he had discussed aspects of the Victory Plan with leaders from the U.S., Britain, France, Italy, and Germany, which includes plans for a non-nuclear strategic deterrent designed to discourage any potential future Russian aggression.
Zelensky is set to unveil the complete details of the Victory Plan at an upcoming EU summit, as he continues to advocate for increased Western support and a NATO membership invitation. The dynamics of the conflict remain fluid as the Ukrainian president navigates complex international relationships and prepares for substantial challenges ahead.
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