On October 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the parliament, unveiling a controversial “Victory Plan” focused on five key points, including an invitation to join NATO, strengthening national defense, deterring Russian aggression, promoting economic growth and cooperation, and establishing a post-war security framework. However, some aspects of the plan remain classified.
During his speech, Zelensky was joined by military leaders such as Commander-in-Chief General Zaluzhnyi and Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov, along with diplomats from Western nations. He emphasized, “If this plan receives support, we can end this war no later than next year.”
Zelensky elaborated, stating, “The Victory Plan is designed to reinforce our nation’s position and capabilities sufficiently to conclude the war. The feasibility of this plan depends on our partners, and I stress that it does not depend on Russia at all.”
A primary focus of the plan is the invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. Zelensky acknowledged, “We understand that NATO membership is a future issue, not a present one.” Yet, he added that immediate invitations would illustrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that his geopolitical calculations are misguided.
“We are a democratic country and have proven our ability to protect our shared way of life,” he remarked.
The second point of the Victory Plan underscores the necessity to bring the war into Russian territory. Zelensky referred to an incursion into the Kursk region initiated in early August, which aims to prevent the establishment of a potential “buffer zone” on Ukrainian soil. This segment also calls for lifting restrictions on long-range strikes against Russia, as well as the provision of additional long-range strike capabilities and support from the West to intercept Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.
The third point involves a non-nuclear deterrence strategy, which remains classified. Reports suggest that Ukraine is proposing a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrent plan to protect against future aggression, a proposal already communicated to leaders in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy.
The fourth point addresses Ukraine’s utilization of its natural resources, such as uranium, titanium, and lithium, which also contains a confidential section for collaboration with Western partners. Ukraine is reportedly advocating for a special arrangement involving joint investments and usage of these resources with the European Union and the U.S. This part also calls for increased international sanctions against Russia to diminish its capacity for aggression.
Finally, the fifth point pertains to Ukraine’s post-war security framework. Zelensky highlighted that Kyiv possesses a large, well-experienced military force that can strengthen the security of NATO and the European continent.
Reports indicate that the Victory Plan includes three classified annexes already shared with international partners. David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party in parliament, indicated that these classified sections would be presented to the leaders of various parties. Zelensky concluded, “We must implement this Victory Plan to compel Russia to attend a peace summit and prepare to end the war.”
