Volodymyr Zelenskiy the Ukrainian President‚ is set to present his victory plan to European Union and NATO officials in Brussels today. The plan which aims to end the conflict with Russia by next year includes a request for a NATO membership invitation and a significant boost in military assistance for Kyiv
Zelenskiyʼs blueprint‚ introduced to Ukraines parliament yesterday comes at a crucial moment. Russian forces are making headway in the east a harsh winter looms and the upcoming U.S. presidential election (happening in about a month) casts doubt on the continuity of Western support
The five-point plan with three confidential annexes has already been shared with key Western leaders including Joe Biden. However‚ while expressing strong support for Ukraine none have fully embraced the proposal. Mark Rutte‚ NATO Secretary General‚ described it as “a strong signal“ but added: “That doesnt mean that I here can say I support the whole plan: That would be a bit difficult because there are many issues“
One of the plans most contentious aspects is the call for a NATO membership invitation. The alliance has stated that Ukraine will become a member but hasnt specified when. Membership during wartime is problematic as it would directly involve NATO in the conflict with Russia. Vladimir Putin has cited Ukraines potential NATO membership as a justification for the invasion
Zelenskiy argues that NATO could extend an invitation now‚ even if actual membership comes later: “We understand that NATO membership is a matter for the future not the present‚“ he told Ukrainian lawmakers. “But Putin must see that his geopolitical calculations are failing; The Russian people must feel this that their ʼtsarʼ has lost geopolitically to the world“
The Kremlin responded by saying it was too early to comment in detail on the plan but that Kyiv needed to “sober up“ and recognize the futility of its current policies
Zelenskiyʼs plan also proposes:
- Establishing a “comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package“ in Ukraine
- Offering the West a role in developing Ukraines natural resources
- Suggesting Ukrainian troops could replace some U.S. forces in Europe
As Zelenskiy presents his vision in Brussels today‚ the world watches to see how Western allies will respond to this bold yet controversial proposal