Zelenskyy Heads to EU and NATO Seeking Support for Ukraine’s ‘Victory Plan’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial role of Western support in his “victory plan” to end the ongoing war with Russia, presenting his strategy to European Union leaders during a summit in Brussels.
Zelenskyy outlined a comprehensive five-point plan aimed at strengthening Ukraine and facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He asserted that the success of the plan relies on the commitment of Ukraine’s allies rather than on Russian actions.Following his address to EU leaders, Zelenskyy met with NATO defense ministers, underscoring Ukraine’s ongoing candidacy for EU membership and the alliance’s support amid the war that has lasted over two and a half years.
A pivotal aspect of Zelenskyy’s plan is the call for an invitation to join NATO, which he believes would provide essential security guarantees against Russian aggression. While NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed Ukraine’s future membership, he refrained from specifying a timeline.The plan includes requests for the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles to target military installations deep within Russia. However, this proposal faces hesitance from allies, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterating Berlin’s opposition to such measures.
Zelenskyy and other leaders, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, voiced concerns about slow decision-making among Western allies. Nauseda warned that hesitation could undermine efforts to de-escalate the situation, suggesting that increased support could pressure Russia to negotiate.A draft of the EU summit conclusions reaffirms the bloc’s unwavering commitment to providing ongoing support—political, financial, military, and humanitarian—to Ukraine as long as necessary.
Conclusion
Zelenskyy’s meetings in Brussels reflect a determined push for enhanced support as Ukraine continues to face significant challenges on the battlefield, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. The outcome of these discussions could have a profound impact on Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian advances and ultimately achieve a resolution to the conflict.