Volodymyr Zelenskyy presents 'victory plan' to Ukraine's parliament

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented his long-awaited "victory plan" to Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday, calling on his beleaguered nation to maintain solidarity during a critical period ahead of the pivotal U.S. presidential election on November 5.

With Russian forces advancing in the east and a harsh winter of energy shortages approaching, Zelenskyy outlined five key components of his plan, which depend on the support of Kyiv's allies, including an unconditional invitation for NATO membership and specific military assistance.

"Together with our partners, we must change the circumstances so that the war ends. Regardless of what [Russian President Vladimir] Putin wants. We must all change the circumstances so that Russia is forced to peace," he stated to lawmakers and senior officials.

He stressed the necessity for Ukraine to develop a non-nuclear deterrent capability, which he asserted would be sufficient to dismantle Russian military strength. While he did not go into detail, he mentioned an additional secret provision that he could not disclose.

Zelenskyy also suggested that Ukraine enter into an agreement with the U.S., EU, and other unnamed allies, enabling joint investments and utilization of Ukraine's natural resources, which he claimed are worth trillions.

"These include, in particular, uranium, titanium, lithium, graphite, and other strategically valuable resources that will strengthen either Russia and its allies or Ukraine and the democratic world in global competition," he explained.

The address was attended by top military, intelligence, and political leaders, as well as lawmakers, some of whom occasionally stood up to applaud, although it drew criticism from others.

Independent parliament member Oleksii Honcharenko remarked that the plan appeared "very unrealistic." He questioned, "We put almost everything on our partners. And what demands do we make of ourselves?"

Roman Lozynskyi, a legislator from Zelenskyy's party, described the plan as "fantastical," but acknowledged that previous requests—such as for F-16s or British Storm Shadow missiles—had once seemed unrealistic yet ultimately produced results.

Zelenskyy's address aimed to reassure the weary public that an end to the war is achievable soon and to underscore the necessity for ordinary Ukrainians to remain united amidst escalating challenges.

"We achieved and are achieving results in battles thanks to our unity. Therefore, please do not lose unity," he urged.

In response, the Kremlin stated it was premature to comment in detail on Zelenskyy's plan, but insisted that Kyiv needed to "sober up" and recognize the futility of its current policies.

As the speech came after two and a half years of conflict, it sought to inspire the fatigued public with hope for a swift resolution while reinforcing the importance of collective strength in facing ongoing hardships. "We achieved and are achieving results in battles thanks to our unity. Therefore, please do not lose unity," he reiterated.