Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveils his “Victory Plan” earlier than the 27 in Brussels | EUROtoday

It’sis an offensive and decided Volodymyr Zelensky who appeared this Thursday earlier than the European Council. The Ukrainian president didn’t come to beg, however to dictate the tempo of a struggle from which he intends to emerge victorious. His five-point “victory plan”, introduced to the 27 European heads of state and authorities, leaves no room for ambiguity: Ukraine needs to win, and shortly. After nearly two years and eight months of struggle…

The first level of this plan, unsurprisingly, considerations Ukraine’s membership in NATO. “We need a clear and rapid invitation to join the Alliance,” insists Volodymyr Zelensky. A request that makes some allies cringe, with Germany within the lead. Asked about Olaf Scholz’s place, the Ukrainian president stays diplomatic: “He never said no, and never said yes. We are working on it. »

Earlier in the morning, the German chancellor said he would listen “carefully” to the Ukrainian president’s plan, recalling Germany’s position of support for Ukraine and its right to territorial integrity. The Finnish Petteri Orpo and Donald Tusk stuck to this cautious line: listen first, think and then decide.

Europeans cautious about Ukraine’s membership in NATO

Other leaders, such as the Belgian Alexander De Croo, acquiesced in Ukraine’s entry into NATO, but with a prerequisite: that peace be restored between the belligerents. The Swede Ulf Kristersson declared, for his part, that Ukraine’s aspiration to join the EU and NATO is one of the “realistic and important” factors.

For the Dutchman Dick Schoof (for whom that is the primary Council after the lengthy reign of Mark Rutte), he thought-about it prudent to attend for a concerted response between Europeans and members of NATO. The Dane Mette Frederiksen supported the concept of ​​a Ukraine member of NATO as a “guarantee of security”, subsequently after the battle as a situation for sustaining peace.

ALSO READ These Western volunteers who heal Ukraine’s woundsThe second a part of the Zelensky plan considerations using Western weapons in opposition to targets on Russian territory. A really delicate topic amongst Europeans that President Zelensky addresses straight. “Today, Ukraine used long-range weapons on the territory of Crimea,” he mentioned. We had been profitable, destroying 23 enemy ships. » A present of drive which goals to persuade reluctant allies, like Germany, to offer extra long-range weapons.

Who can pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction?

The third level of the victory plan considerations the intensification of sanctions in opposition to Russia. “We must suffocate Putin’s war economy,” insists the Ukrainian chief, calling for a strengthening of punitive measures in opposition to Moscow. What the EU does repeatedly, however with blended success, the Russians all the time discovering companions to avoid sanctions. And with logistical assist from China, Vladimir Putin can see it coming…

The fourth axis of the plan considerations the reconstruction of Ukraine. The Ukrainian president is looking for a large dedication from Europeans on this course of, arguing that it’s an funding in the way forward for Europe as an entire. Ursula von der Leyen, for her half, has lengthy repeated that it’s Russia and never the Europeans that will probably be liable for paying for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Do we predict that Vladimir Putin will comply with pay struggle damages? Unless a potential successor proves extra pacifist, which stays, to today, a superb guess on a greater than unsure future…

The stage of safety ensures is at stake within the United States

Finally, the fifth and ultimate level of the Zelensky plan goals to acquire stable safety ensures for Ukraine. “We need firm commitments from our allies to prevent any future Russian aggression,” insists the Ukrainian president. This is the place the situations for a potential ceasefire are being performed out. As such, the American assure stays important. What is at stake, by the American elections in November, is determined by who wins, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. If Trump guarantees to resolve the battle “in 24 hours”, what safety ensures would he be more likely to supply to Ukraine, which is able to little doubt have misplaced a part of its territory?

This formidable plan doesn’t fail to boost questions amongst European leaders. As now we have seen, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stays cautious about using Western weapons in opposition to targets in Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky responds scathingly: “I respect his opinion. But he cannot recommend us whether to attack or not, because he never provided us with these weapons. »

NATO: Zelensky’s plea to Trump

The Ukrainian president does not hesitate to hold his allies accountable. Referring to North Korea’s possible involvement in the conflict, he warned that “this is the first step towards a world war.” Zelensky’s determination is palpable when he discusses Ukraine’s recent military successes. “We used different weapons, including our own Ukrainian production, but also the [missiles de croisière, NDLR] British Storm Shadows and French Scalps. » According to him, Western aid is bearing fruit and must therefore be amplified.

The Ukrainian leader does not dodge any questions, but remains discreet when asked about his interview with Donald Trump. “I don’t want to go any further in our dialogue, because it was between him and me,” he says, suggesting that the previous American president was not fully closed. The Ukrainian president argued: Ukraine possessed nuclear weapons. It returned it to Russia as a result of it selected NATO as a assure of safety and never the upkeep of a nuclear arsenal. According to Zelensky, Trump discovered the argument “fair”.

“Even the invitation to NATO is a red line”

“I think the first step is to get an invitation,” he continues. But which means that sooner or later we will probably be members of NATO, realizing that this will occur after the struggle. We have no idea when the struggle will finish, however I emphasize that the stronger we’re, the earlier the diplomatic resolution relating to a simply peace will probably be made. NATO is a delicate topic for the United States of America. All this time, they thought NATO was a option to drag the Atlantic Alliance into struggle. Even the invitation to NATO is taken into account a pink line. »

This new diplomatic offensive by the Ukrainian president demonstrates kyiv’s want to regain the initiative, each on the bottom and in European chancelleries. The European chancelleries will probably be referred to as upon to decide within the coming days and maybe on the finish of this European Council. In any case, the conclusions adopted by the European Council this Thursday, October 17, though they recall at size all of the previous, present and future efforts made by the 27 to assist Ukraine, don’t reply to the plan introduced by Zelensky.