Ex-Ukraine military chief backs Zelenskyy's plan in London talk

Valerii Zaluzhnyi Ukraines ex-military chief‚ voiced his backing for President Volodymyr Zelenskyys victory plan during his first public talk since becoming UK ambassador The event took place at Londons Chatham House think-tank on 10/17/24

Zaluzhnyi stated “Ukraine must clearly follow the plan“ He added that the steps mainly concern countries that should be keen on ending the war The plan outlines Ukraines ideas for strengthening its position before possible talks with Russia

The strategy includes:
- A formal invite for Ukraine to join NATO
- Permission to use Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russian military targets

These points have met some hesitation from Kyivs allies Zaluzhnyi insists that NATO membership is the only real security guarantee for Ukraine backing Zelenskyys call for an alliance invitation However some NATO members worry this could make the conflict worse

Declaring yet another freeze in the situation with Ukraine will not work We want to have guarantees of security for ourselves and our children

Zaluzhnyi who led armed forces during Ukraines unsuccessful counter-offensive in summer ʼ23 said lack of Western support then meant Ukraine missed its chance to push back Russia alone This turned the war into a long conflict where the way out “seems rather doubtful and almost impossible“ he noted

The ex-commander pointed out that Russia has formed an alliance with North Korea Iran and China which Ukraine cant defeat without Western help “Against Ukraine now stands not only Russia but also a quite powerful coalition of strong states“ Zaluzhnyi said

As the war enters its third year Ukraine faces tough times Its troops struggle to hold back Russian advances especially in the east Zelenskyy claims Kyiv has intel that 10000 North Korean troops are preparing to join Russian forces – a move he warns could turn the conflict into a “world war“

Zaluzhnyi acknowledged Ukraines mobilization challenges stressing the need to change Soviet-era recruitment practices Despite his popularity he faced criticism for not meeting the armys need for more troops “We had to change it (the system)“ he said adding that Ukraine lacks time to do so while the war continues

In Feb ʼ24 Zelenskyy dismissed Zaluzhnyi as military commander-in-chief to refresh efforts in the stalled war Zaluzhnyi widely respected among Ukrainian troops and seen as a national hero is credited with stopping Russias full-scale invasion early on and skillfully pushing back Moscowʼs forces