Zelenskyy vows to fight on even if allies do not support ‘victory plan’
Ukrainian president is trying to rally support for his country amid uncertainty over future of US backing.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will persist in its fight against Russia’s invasion, regardless of whether its Western allies support his “victory plan.”
During a visit to Brussels on Thursday, Zelenskyy emphasized his intention to move forward with a second peace summit and revealed a new agreement with Greece to train and equip additional F-16 fighter jet pilots.
“Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Greece has been providing military support to Ukraine, including material and technical assistance, as well as training,” Zelenskyy shared on social media, accompanied by images of him shaking hands with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
“Greece is ready to continue meeting Ukraine’s most urgent defense needs,” he added. “It will also provide additional resources to accelerate F-16 training for our pilots and technicians.”
Zelenskyy reiterated that joining NATO remains a top priority.
“Ukraine is a democratic nation that has demonstrated its ability to defend the Euro-Atlantic region and our shared way of life,” he stated. “For decades, Russia has exploited the geopolitical uncertainty stemming from Ukraine's absence in NATO. Now, an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO would be decisive.”
Zelenskyy also met with European Council President Charles Michel to discuss his victory plan and spoke with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
During a joint press conference, Rutte affirmed, “Ukraine will be a member of NATO, there is no doubt about that, and until that happens, we will ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs to prevail.”
I met with the President of the European Council @CharlesMichel. The key topic of our discussions was the presentation of the Victory Plan, and we look forward to the EU’s active role in its implementation.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 17, 2024
We also talked about Peace Formula implementation, continued defense… pic.twitter.com/I0UAVdk9aU
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy detailed a five-part plan he believes can secure victory while addressing the Ukrainian parliament. He proposed a fast-track process for Ukraine’s NATO membership at the plan's core.
“If we start implementing this victory plan now, we could potentially end the war no later than next year,” he remarked.
He outlined his strategy after not securing significant new support during a series of meetings with European allies last week.
Zelenskyy is also mindful of the considerable uncertainty surrounding U.S. support due to the upcoming elections in November.
U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that the West must “support Ukraine on its path to membership in both the EU and NATO,” and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has echoed similar sentiments.
However, Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is currently in a tight race with Harris according to polls, has been far less supportive.
The former U.S. president has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and was reportedly in contact with the Russian leader at least seven times since leaving office in January 2021.
At his election rallies, Trump often claims he could broker a peace deal within 24 hours, although critics believe any such arrangement would likely require Zelenskyy to concede significant portions of Ukrainian territory to Russia.
