Ukraine's plan to end Russia war: NATO invite and defense boost

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his strategy to conclude the conflict with Russia roughly a year ago. The plan‚ which he called a “victory plan“ centered on five key objectives that he believes are necessary to force Moscow to negotiate seriously

The primary goal involves an immediate‚ unconditional invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been in regular talks to join the alliance but hasnt received a formal invitation yet. Some key members‚ notably the United States insist that the war must end before Ukraine can join

Mark Rutte‚ NATO Secretary-General‚ stated‚ “Its my firm belief that one day Ukraine will be a member of NATO‚ and I will applaud when that day comes.“ He added that its up to the allies to discuss how to move forward

The plans second point focuses on boosting Ukraines defense capabilities. Zelensky urged allies to allow Kyiv to use foreign-supplied weapons for strikes deep inside Russian territory – something many countries have resisted due to fears of direct Russian retaliation. He also asked Ukraines Eastern European neighbors to shoot down Russian missiles and drones from their own territory

The plan includes three other elements:
- Establishing a “comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package“ in Ukraine
- Signing agreements with foreign partners for joint investment in Ukraines natural resources
- Ensuring Ukrainian troops enhance NATO security and replace some U.S. forces in Europe

Zelensky mentioned three additional “secret annexes“ to his plan‚ including one related to his deterrence strategy

Not everyone supports Zelenskys proposal. Some opposition lawmakers called it unrealistic‚ emphasizing its dependence on other countries. Oleksiy Goncharenko‚ a member of Ukraines European Solidarity party‚ said‚ “According to the plan‚ it seems that someone has to do everything for us“

Russia condemned the proposal. Dmitry Peskov‚ Kremlin spokesperson‚ stated that Kyiv needs to “sober up and realize the reasons that led to this conflict.“ Maria Zakharova‚ Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson‚ accused Zelensky of “pushing NATO into direct conflict with our country“

In other news‚ Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people‚ including Nabatiehs mayor‚ about a year ago. The strike was the most significant Israeli attack on a Lebanese state building since Israel expanded its offensive against Hezbollah

Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed a new migration strategy around the same time‚ aiming to temporarily suspend the right to seek asylum for those coming from neighboring Belarus. The proposal faces opposition from rights groups and Polish President Andrzej Duda

Lastly‚ China reiterated its sovereignty claims over Taiwan after staging large-scale military drills around the island. Chen Binhua‚ spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office‚ stated‚ “We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and endeavor‚ but we will never commit ourselves to renouncing the use of force“