Zelensky to pitch 'victory plan' to EU, NATO

Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to present his "victory plan" to the EU and NATO, seeking a NATO invitation and increased military aid, as allies review his proposal to end the war by next year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present his "victory plan" to the European Union and NATO, pushing for a NATO membership invitation and increased military aid for Ukraine’s fight against Russia.

The plan includes requests that have so far been declined by Ukraine's allies, such as permission for Ukraine to use Western weapons to strike targets within Russia and an official NATO membership invitation.

Zelensky unveiled the plan to Ukraine's parliament amid ongoing Russian advances in the east, looming power shortages this winter, and uncertainty about future Western support due to the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

On Thursday, Zelensky will bring his proposal, which he claims could end the war by next year, to an EU summit and a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. Although the five-point plan, which includes three confidential annexes, has been shared with key Western leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden, it has not received full backing.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged that the plan sends a "strong signal" but emphasized that the alliance’s 32 members need to carefully examine its details, with differing views on certain elements. 

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