Zelensky presents much-awaited 'victory plan': What's in it? Request to join NATO, and more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented the much-awaited "victory plan" in Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday (Oct 16), comprising five key points, including an invitation to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

However, some parts of the plan have yet to be revealed and are available to selected people only. David Arakhamia, the ruling party's parliamentary leader, said the classified parts would be presented to faction leaders.

The proposal comprising five points, included an invitation to join NATO, a defence aspect, deterrence of Russian aggression, economic growth and cooperation, and post-war security architecture.

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It further involves three secret agendas that have been shared with international partners.

Zelensky, while presenting the plan in the parliament, said, "If the plan is supported, we can end the war no later than next year."

The plan was presented in the presence of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, and Western diplomats.

Five-point agendas

Notably, Ukraine's invitation to join NATO was placed at the top of the list. In 2022, Kyiv submitted its application to join the alliance but has yet to receive their response.

"We understand that NATO membership is a matter for the future, not the present," Zelensky said, adding that an invitation offered right away would show Russian President Vladimir Putin the error of "his geopolitical calculations."

"We are a democratic nation that has proven that it can protect our common way of life," he said.

The second part emphasised the need to bring the war to Russian territory. This will further prevent the creation of possible "buffer zones" on Ukrainian territory.

It also called to lift restrictions on long-range strikes in Russia, additional supplies of long-range capabilities, and Western support in downing Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.

The third point highlighted "non-nuclear deterrence". Ukraine is proposing a "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package on its territory" that would safeguard the country against future aggression.

Moreover, the planhas also been explained to the leaders of the United States, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy.

In the fourth part, Ukraine offered a special agreement on joint investment and use of its natural resources with the European Union and the US. The natural resources include uranium, titanium, and lithium.

Watch |Ukrainian President Zelensky Presents ‘Victory Plan’ To European Allies

It further called for ramping up international sanctions against Russia to undermine its ability to sustain its aggression.

The fifth partreflects theconcerns on Ukraine's post-war security architecture. Zelensky said Ukraineboasts a large and experienced military force that can strengthen NATO and the security of the European continent.

"If the partners agree, then after the war, we envisage replacing certain US military contingents stationed in Europe with Ukrainian units," the Ukraine'spresidenttold lawmakers.

"If Putin achieves his insane geopolitical, military, ideological, and economic goals, it will create an overwhelming impression for other potential aggressors, particularly in the Gulf region, the Indo-Pacific region, and Africa, that wars of aggression can be profitable for them as well," he added.

Putin's 'coalition of criminals' includes North Korea: Zelensky

Zelensky noted that Putin's "coalition of criminals" now includes North Korea, which has provided not only weapons but also personnel for Russian factories and the military.

"This is effectively participation of a second state in the war against Ukraine on Russia's side," the Ukrainian president said, adding that Russia is also being supported by Iran and China.

"We must implement the victory plan to force Russia to be at the peace summit and ready to end the war."

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)