Zelensky says Western long-range weapons on Russian soil would prevent the creation of buffer zones in Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced a long-awaited “victory plan” to the Ukrainian parliament, outlining a strategy aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s position and ultimately ending the war with Russia. Zelensky expressed optimism that the plan, if fully implemented, could lead to a conclusion of the conflict as early as next year. The war, which began in February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale invasion, continues without signs of resolution, but Zelensky’s proposals aim to shift the balance in Ukraine’s favor.

The victory plan includes several key elements: securing an official invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, urging Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range missile strikes into Russian territory, and maintaining Ukraine’s firm stance against trading any of its territory or sovereignty in negotiations. Zelensky also emphasized the continuation of Ukraine’s military operations in Russia’s western Kursk region as a tactic to keep the pressure on Moscow.

The Kremlin swiftly rejected Zelensky’s plan. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized the proposal, suggesting that Kyiv needed to “sober up” and recognize the futility of its current policies.

During his address, Zelensky also condemned Russia’s international allies—China, Iran, and North Korea—labeling them as part of a “coalition of criminals” for their support of Russia. He described Putin as a leader obsessed with waging wars, claiming that the Russian president had “gone mad.” Zelensky further announced that he would present his plan at an upcoming European Union summit, emphasizing that Ukraine is fighting Russia on multiple fronts: on the battlefield, in international relations, in the economy, through information warfare, and in the hearts of the people.

Zelensky’s plan centers on five key pillars:

1. Securing a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, ensuring its long-term defense.
2. Strengthening Ukraine’s military capacity, including securing permission from allies to use Western long-range weapons on Russian soil and continuing military operations inside Russia to prevent the creation of buffer zones in Ukrainian territory.
3. Deploying a non-nuclear strategic deterrent on Ukrainian soil to contain Russia.
4. Ensuring joint protection of Ukraine’s critical natural resources by the United States and the European Union, while leveraging Ukraine’s economic potential with the support of Western partners.
5. Following the war, replacing some U.S. troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian soldiers as part of the NATO alliance.

Zelensky also noted the existence of three classified addendums to the plan, which would only be shared with Ukraine’s international allies. In Kyiv, many residents expressed support for the proposals. Several citizens voiced their belief that Ukraine should not concede any territory, while others hoped the plan would lead to greater security guarantees from international partners and NATO membership.

The victory plan was previously presented to U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, during meetings in September. Zelensky has also briefed key European allies, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany.

Zelensky spoke with Biden again to update him on the plan and express gratitude for the latest $425 million U.S. defense aid package, which includes air defense systems and long-range weaponry. The White House confirmed that both leaders had directed their teams to continue discussions on next steps.

Despite the ambitious scope of the victory plan, not all Western officials are fully supportive. According to a Wall Street Journal report, some U.S. officials have expressed concerns that the plan lacks a comprehensive strategy and is primarily focused on obtaining more weapons and lifting restrictions on missile usage. Analysts also suggest that the Biden administration is cautious about further escalating the conflict as the U.S. presidential election draws nearer. However, Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, downplayed concerns over potential changes in U.S. leadership, arguing that continued support for Ukraine aligns with American interests, regardless of who the next president is.

Zelensky’s determination to continue the fight, despite the challenges, was evident in his speech to parliament. He acknowledged the growing fatigue within Ukraine, both among civilians and within the military, as the death toll rises, controversial mobilization laws take effect, and Russian assaults persist. Nonetheless, Zelensky stressed that territorial concessions were “out of the question.” He reinforced the need to compel Russia to negotiate on Ukraine’s terms by further strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities.

In public and diplomatic arenas, Zelensky continues to frame the war as existential—not only for Ukraine, but for Europe and the West. He positions his victory plan as an opportunity for Western allies to invest in Ukraine’s future, particularly its natural resources and economic potential. However, given Ukraine’s heavy dependence on Western military aid, the success of Zelensky’s plan will hinge on sustained international support, particularly from the U.S. and its future leadership.

Reacting to the plan, NATO’s new Secretary General, Mark Rutte, called it a “strong signal” from Kyiv, although he cautioned that NATO would need to review the details more thoroughly before offering full support. Meanwhile, the Kremlin dismissed the plan as “ephemeral,” insisting that the war would only end when Ukraine recognizes the futility of its policies.