As it became clear a long time ago, the victory plan, as the Ukrainian president himself calls it, Volodimir Zelensky did not excite the allies. This was also said by the head of NATO, Mark Rutte, as well as the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metzola.
The new head of the Alliance stressed that the “victory plan” presented by the Ukrainian leader is a good sign, but stressed that he is not in a position to support this plan in its entirety.
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metzola said the bloc welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory plan, but – perhaps more importantly – “it is essential to find an end to the war that includes peace with dignity».
When NATO itself, and apparently the US, reject the plan, it remains questionable what else the Ukrainian president can do.
“Start conversations”
The President of Ukraine and his country should be able to start conversations with Russia from a position of strength, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said today, adding that the Western military alliance maintains its full support for Kiev.
“We are committed, if necessary, for the long term. “Obviously we want to be in a position from which Ukraine, from a position of strength, can begin talks with Russia, but until that time comes, (Volodymyr Zelensky) can count on our continued support,” he said. Mark Ruth.
NATO must step up its support for Ukraine in the coming months to pressure Russia and ensure Ukraine can win the war, UK Defense Secretary John Healy said.
“We must do everything possible to step up support for Ukraine in the coming weeks and months to put pressure on Russia and ensure that Ukraine can prevail, because the defense of Europe starts with Ukraine,” he said before the start of NATO’s external intervention . meeting of ministers in Brussels.
“We owe it to them to remain by their side as long as necessary,” he said.
M. Zakharova: Zelensky’s “victory plan” pushes NATO into direct conflict with Russia
OR Estonia hopes to see immediate actions and next steps towards Ukraine’s NATO membership, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told reporters in Brussels.
“Estonia has always said that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine is membership in NATO,” said Hano Pevkur before the start of the meeting of defense ministers of the Atlantic Alliance countries.
OR Latvia supports the victory plan promoted by the President of Ukraine, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds told journalists, adding that NATO aerial surveillance over the Baltic States must be improved.
“Winter is coming”
Together with the President of the European Council Carlos MichelVolodymyr Zelensky warned of the dangers of a third winter of full-scale war with Russia.
“Winter is coming, so we have to prepare,” he said, stressing that Ukraine now urgently needs air defense help.
“Our domestic production of drones and electronic warfare systems has helped a lot,” Zelensky noted. “We need money for this and, in part, money from Russian assets.”
In July, the European Commission transferred money from frozen assets to buy weapons to Ukraine for the first time.
“We will be by your side as long as necessary,” Charles Michel told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference.
He added that today’s discussions will be about accelerating direct support for Ukraine.
“Ukraine’s future is in the EU,” Michel said, adding that Zelensky’s presence in Brussels sends a message without “any ambiguity.”
Commenting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Victory Plan announced on Wednesday, Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre De Croix said it was certain that Ukraine would join NATO.
“The path to joining NATO is there. But of course during the period when Ukraine is at war it is difficult to implement, but of course Ukraine will become a member of NATO,” De Croo said.
And the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederisken, stated that there are some “very good ideas” to the peace plan proposed by the Ukrainian president and reiterated his support for Ukraine’s accession to NATO. “It’s the most important life insurance you can offer a country,” he said.