War in Ukraine: “Putin will be forced to sit at the table”, Volodymyr Zelensky presented his “victory plan” to the European Union in Brussels
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his “victory plan” to the European heads of state and government, meeting at a summit, on Thursday in Brussels. The objective is to “strengthen Ukraine” with a view to negotiations with Moscow, he explained.
Published on 10/17/2024 at 3:01 p.m.
“Our plan is to strengthen Ukraine, to be strong and to be ready for diplomacy,” said Volodymyr Zelensky upon his arrival at the summit.
This plan does not rely on Russia, but on Ukraine and its partners, highlighted the Ukrainian president. However, it also requires efforts from European member states, such as lifting restrictions on the use of European weapons on Russian territory, or even a rapid invitation to join NATO, he detailed.
Zelensky’s meeting with European leaders should also make it possible to address the 35 billion in European aid, promised by the Twenty-Seven in June, which must be provided thanks to the exceptional profits generated by Russian assets frozen in Europe.
“We must find the appropriate mechanism that will allow this money to be brought in as quickly as possible,” stressed the Ukrainian president. Air defense and financial support to help domestic weapons production are the most urgent needs, he said.
Ukraine has been supported by the EU since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. But Hungary, the least critical voice towards Moscow, is blocking European aid.
“It is wrong to think that our hesitation will lead to de-escalation. Our hesitation will lead to the escalation of the conflict, said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. “If Ukraine achieves more success on the front, Putin will be forced to sit at the negotiating table. He thinks he’s winning. »
Other member states are more cautious, like Germany, which opposes rapid accession of Ukraine to NATO and refuses to supply Taurus missiles for its air force. “You know Germany’s position on these issues. Nothing will change,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
At a press conference following his meeting with leaders, Zelensky said the “majority” of member states had supported his plan.
The rapid accession of his country to NATO is essential and constitutes the “only hope” as a guarantee of security for Ukraine, he insisted. The president must also go to NATO this Thursday afternoon for a meeting of defense ministers.
The Zelensky plan also includes an economic component. It offers Western countries joint investments in the exploitation of Ukrainian natural resources. The soils are said to be full of uranium, titanium, graphite and lithium. A gold mine that Russia “could seize,” warned Zelensky.
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