Brussels: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Brussels, pitching a bold “victory plan” to European Union leaders and NATO defence ministers. Zelensky’s blueprint aims to secure a formal NATO membership invitation and an expanded military support package, critical to bolstering Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
However, Zelensky’s plan includes requests that have divided Ukraine’s allies- particularly the NATO invitation and authorisation to use Western weapons for strikes deep within Russian territory.
Rallying Support
Zelensky presented the five-point plan to Ukraine’s parliament stressing the urgency of action as Russian advances in the east escalate. With power shortages expected this winter and uncertainty looming over US support due to the upcoming presidential election, he described the proposal as a pathway to ending the war by next year.
Zelensky sought endorsements at two crucial meetings in Brussels today: the EU summit and a NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting. His efforts reflect Kyiv’s push for stronger Western alignment. The plan, which includes three secret annexes, has already been shared with key leaders, including US President Joe Biden.
Despite warm words of solidarity, Zelensky has yet to secure unequivocal backing for the plan. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the significance of the proposal, calling it “a strong signal,” but stressed that the 32-member alliance must evaluate it thoroughly.
“You may encounter varying perspectives on certain elements of the plan, but that doesn’t change the fact that NATO stands firmly with Ukraine,” Rutte noted.
Renewed Call for NATO Membership
While NATO has committed to Ukraine’s eventual membership, it remains clear that joining the alliance during an active conflict is off the table. Such a move would risk drawing NATO directly into war with Russia.
Zelensky, however, argued that the alliance could issue a formal invitation now, even if membership is deferred to a later date.
“We know NATO membership lies in the future, but Putin must feel the pressure. His geopolitical gamble must fail, and the Russian people need to see that their ‘tsar’ has lost to the world,” Zelensky told the Ukrainian parliament.
Russia responded cautiously, with the Kremlin dismissing the plan as unrealistic.
I am currently en route to Brussels for a special European Council meeting at the leadership level, where I will present our Victory Plan – a tool to compel Russia towards peace. European leaders will hear how we need to strengthen our positions to end this war justly.
I am… pic.twitter.com/7tMLqV81cv
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 17, 2024
A Strategic Deterrence
Zelensky’s victory plan also proposes a “comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package” to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression, although he provided limited details.
Further, the plan outlines economic opportunities for Western nations, inviting them to collaborate in the development of Ukraine’s natural resources. Additionally, Zelensky suggested that Ukrainian troops could gradually replace US forces stationed in Europe, strengthening the region’s defence without overburdening NATO allies.
Delicate Balancing Act
Zelensky’s diplomatic push aims to strike a delicate balance securing more military aid without overstepping boundaries that could escalate the conflict further. As European leaders deliberate, Ukraine hopes the victory plan will force allies to take bolder steps toward both short-term defence and long-term geopolitical stability.
For now, the EU and NATO remain united in principle, but their response to Zelensky’s ambitious proposals will shape the next chapter of the conflict and Ukraine’s path toward peace.
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