Zelenskyy warns EU: Rejecting Ukraine’s victory plan is “privilege from world to Russia”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that failure to support his proposed “victory plan” could inadvertently benefit Russia, according to his statement made at a press briefing in Brussels following a European Council meeting.

Zelenskyy has already revealed his victory plan to the public and now promotes it to EU leaders in Brussels. 

The plan encompasses five key points: an invitation to NATO, strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, implementing a deterrence strategy against Russian aggression, boosting Ukraine’s economic and strategic potential, and utilizing Ukraine’s wartime experience for future European defense. However, some aspects of the plan include confidential details shared only with specific Western allies.

“If they [partners] don’t support Ukraine’s victory plan, it will be very difficult for us. This will be a privilege from the world to Russia. Ukraine’s weakness is Russia’s strength. And I think this will be a big mistake,” Zelensky stated.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that the proposed NATO invitation, while not equivalent to full membership, would send a strong signal of support. 

“It’s a sign that Ukraine is not alone,” he explained.

Zelensky reported that 18 partners at the EU summit had commented on his proposal. However, reactions from European leaders have been mixed. 

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated that certain decisions he had made would remain unchanged, though he did not specify which aspects of the plan these decisions pertained to. However, Scholz repeatedly refused to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine over concerns of potential escalation. Scholz warned that such actions could draw Germany closer to direct involvement in the war, a scenario he seeks to avoid.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda suggested that much of Zelenskyy’s plan rehashed points on which the EU was already hesitant, such as Ukraine’s NATO membership and allowing long-range strikes on Russian soil.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine should negotiate with Russia only from a position of strength. He reaffirmed NATO’s continued military support, however he expressed reservations about fully supporting Zelenskyy’s “whole victory plan” to reclaim all occupied territories.

NATO officials also reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s eventual membership in the alliance but didn’t provide a specific timeline despite Zelenskyy’s push for this change.

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