On Wednesday, October 16, President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian parliament (Rada) to present Ukraine’s “Victory Plan.” According to MP Serhiy Leshchenko, this session was organized to unveil the country’s strategic blueprint for ending the war.
The plan, which includes requests for more ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles, also seeks permission to strike deep into Russian territory. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the President’s Office, emphasized that this approach could significantly alter President Putin’s calculations, increasing internal pressure on the Russian dictator while weakening Russia’s military on the frontlines.
However, Washington remains hesitant to authorize strikes within Russia, fearing it may trigger a “serious escalation” from Moscow.
Zelensky’s Plan Unveiled in Parliament
President Zelensky presented the “Victory Plan” but refrained from publicly discussing certain classified aspects. According to Podolyak, some sections of the document, which involve “military mathematics,” would remain confidential. These undisclosed parts include specific details about the quantity and types of weapons Ukraine requires.
“The president wants society to understand, but certain elements of the plan, especially those involving military calculations, will not be publicly discussed,” Podolyak noted.
NATO Membership as the First Pillar of the Victory Plan
Zelensky’s five-point plan begins with a geopolitical component—Ukraine’s immediate integration into NATO. According to the president, Russia’s aggression has been fueled by Ukraine’s non-membership in the Alliance. A formal invitation to join NATO, Zelensky argued, would be a game-changer for peace and security.
“Putin needs to see that his geopolitical calculations are failing. The Russian people must also understand this—that their leader has lost on the world stage,” said Zelensky.
Other key points in the president’s speech include:
- If international partners support Ukraine’s plan, the war could end as early as next year. However, if efforts are not intensified now, Putin may gain strength in 2025.
- After the war, Ukrainian troops could contribute to NATO’s defense, potentially replacing U.S. forces in certain areas of Europe.
- The “Victory Plan” aims to strengthen Ukraine’s military and political positions. Its success depends on international support but not on Russia.
- Putin is not interested in peace—his ambitions are solely centered on war. Zelensky emphasized that the Russian dictator is disconnected from reality and unwilling to change.
- North Korea and Iran continue to actively assist Russia, providing weapons and other resources. China, while publicly calling for peace, has yet to take concrete action to stop Putin’s violations of international law.
Ukraine’s Strategy for Victory: Fighting Back on Russian Soil
Zelensky also underscored the importance of taking the war to Russian territory, ensuring that Russian citizens feel the consequences of their government’s aggression. “We are not naive. Ukraine does not expect the majority of Russians to comprehend the moral abyss into which their country has fallen, but they must feel the defeat of their military,” Zelensky stated.
He referenced Ukraine’s recent successes in the Kursk region, highlighting how Putin’s forces are struggling under pressure.
Key Elements of the Victory Plan
- Ukraine’s formal invitation to join NATO.
- Continued military operations on Russian soil and strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with partner support.
- Lifting restrictions on the use of long-range weapons against Russian military targets.
- Deployment of non-nuclear deterrents from international allies on Ukrainian territory.
- Agreements with the U.S. and EU on mutual defense, resource investments, and replacing some U.S. military contingents in Europe with Ukrainian forces after the war.
In September, Zelensky gave Ukraine’s allies a three-month deadline to endorse the core aspects of this plan. According to Associated Press, this strategy is seen as Ukraine’s last effort to solidify its position in any future negotiations with Russia. However, no country has publicly commented on the plan’s feasibility yet.
Unanimous Parliamentary Support
The Ukrainian parliament unanimously backed the “Victory Plan” and pledged to assist in its implementation. Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk revealed that lawmakers spent two hours behind closed doors discussing key aspects of the strategy. Although he didn’t disclose any details, Stefanchuk confirmed the plan includes classified supplements.
Victory Without Complete Military Liberation of Occupied Territories
Podolyak also clarified that the plan does not necessarily involve reclaiming all occupied Ukrainian lands through military means. Instead, the goal is to make Russia pay too high a price to maintain its presence in Ukraine. He dismissed prior Western peace proposals as unrealistic.
“President Zelensky made it clear—there are no viable ‘formulas’ like those proposed by Rasmussen or Kissinger. As long as Russia holds any piece of Ukrainian land, the war is not over,” Podolyak stated.
Zelensky’s High-Stakes Gamble
Political analyst Oleksandr Kharebin, speaking on a TV program, warned that if the plan fails, the consequences for Zelensky could be disastrous. “This would be his personal Golgotha. If the plan doesn’t succeed, they will crucify him,” Kharebin remarked, stressing the need for national unity at this critical moment.
“Ukraine stands at the edge—it’s either collapse or victory,” he concluded.
For further analysis on Russia’s nuclear threat and its fleet preparations for an attack on Europe, check out our article: “Nuclear Strike Threat: Russia Prepares Its Fleet to Attack Europe.”