- October 16, 2024
- 2:41 pm
- Ukraine
On October 16, 2024, Vladimir Zelensky spoke before the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and introduced Victory Plan, which includes five main points and three secret appendices.
This plan is a strategic path to strengthening Ukraine, ending the war with Russia and consolidating the country in the international security system. In his speech, the President noted that to achieve success, Ukraine must strengthen its position not only for defense, but also to achieve peace on terms beneficial to Ukraine.
Points of the Victory Plan presented by Vladimir Zelensky:
- The first point is an invitation to NATO
Ukraine is seeking NATO membership, which would provide it with stronger security guarantees and support from its allies.
- The second point is defense
Strengthening the defensive positions and military potential of Ukraine to effectively counter aggression and protect the country from external threats.
- The third point is containment.
Deter possible aggression from Russia and other potential adversaries using both military and diplomatic tools.
- The fourth point is strategic economic potential
Development of the Ukrainian economy in order to ensure the financial stability of the country in the post-war period and create the necessary conditions for recovery.
- Fifth point – post-war time
Planning and implementing measures that will help Ukraine prepare for post-war reconstruction, including education, infrastructure and social guarantees for citizens.
These points reflect a strategy aimed at achieving victory in the current conflict and the subsequent restoration and strengthening of Ukraine as an independent state.
Zelensky stressed that this plan is not only the defense of existing positions, but also preparation for the second Peace Summit. He stated:
“The victory plan is the way to strengthen Ukraine. This is exactly the kind of strengthening that is necessary to not only protect our positions, but also to pave the bridge to the holding of the second Peace Summit, which will put a fair end to this war for Ukraine.”
Zelensky expressed concern that the word “victory” has become less common among Ukrainians, indicating a change in perception of the war. However, he emphasized that only victory can bring glory to the country and preserve the memory of its heroes:
“Victory has become an uncomfortable word for some. But only victories give birth to glory for the country. And they allow us to preserve the real memory of heroes for centuries. Victory gives the country the opportunity to live – to live independently, freely, sovereignly, on its own land and according to its own laws.”
Main goals of the Victory Plan
The President outlined several key goals that must be achieved as part of the Victory Plan. These goals include:
- To win for Ukraine the right to life. Ukraine is fighting for its existence and the right to be an independent state. The country seeks to strengthen its position in the international community:
“The future for Ukraine is, without a doubt, to be a strong part of the global world, to be on equal terms with leading countries, to be in the European Union and NATO – to be there with full rights. This is true for us. Ukrainians deserve this.”
- Achieve justice for Ukraine. The war must end on terms that are fair and beneficial for Ukraine. The President emphasized that the world must be reliable and fair:
“To end this war with a reliable, honest peace is our goal. We are fighting for justice for Ukraine, and I am grateful to everyone who brings this goal closer.”
- End the war on lasting terms. Zelensky noted that the support of international partners will be a key factor in ending the war. He stressed that Russia is not committed to fair negotiations:
“Russia is not looking for an honest peace. Putin has gone crazy and only wants war. But together with our partners, we can change the circumstances to force Russia to peace.”
- Defense of international order. Zelensky said Ukraine's victory is important not only for the country itself, but also for the defense of the rules-based international order. If Ukraine is defeated, it will set a precedent for other aggressors:
“Helping Ukraine is not only a way to help us survive. It is a defense of a rules-based world order. If Ukraine wins, it will be a clear signal to all aggressors that wars are not profitable.”
- Preventing future wars. Ukraine's victory will be an important factor in preventing new conflicts around the world. If Putin succeeds in achieving his goals, it will convince other aggressors that wars of conquest can be profitable:
“If Russia wins, it will convince other dictators that aggressive wars can be profitable. But if we win, it will stop new aggressors and ensure peace.”
International support
The President recalled the importance of international support for Ukraine. He noted that almost a hundred countries supported the Ukrainian Peace formulawhich was proposed at the G20 summit in Indonesia. Zelensky emphasized that the successful completion of the war depends on unity both within Ukraine and among its international partners:
“We held a successful inaugural Peace Summit and proved that this format of negotiations can be successful in ending a war. But Russia has so far shied away from honest diplomacy and continues its policy of ultimatums. We have to stop this.”
He expressed confidence that with the support of the international community, Ukraine will be able not only to end the war, but also to strengthen its position in the international arena:
“Our warriors, all our people and our unity with our partners are the foundation of our ability to achieve victory.”
Urgency to implement the plan
Zelensky called for the immediate implementation of the Victory Plan. The sooner its implementation begins, the faster the war can be ended. He expressed hope that active action would end the war by the end of next year:
“If we start moving on this Plan now, we will be able to end the war no later than next year.”
Conclusion
Zelensky concluded his speech with a call for unity and active action. He emphasized that Ukraine’s victory is important not only for the country, but also for the whole world, since its success will be a signal to all aggressors that war cannot be a means of achieving goals.
