On October 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his “Victory Plan” to the Ukrainian Parliament, known as the Verkhovna Rada, and announced that he would introduce this plan at the European Council meeting on October 17. In response, Russia labeled the initiative as “futile.”

According to reports from the Ukrainian National News Agency, Zelensky emphasized in a speech that he has shared the details of the plan with Ukraine’s partners and will continue to promote it during his European Council address.

The “Victory Plan” outlines five key points: it calls for NATO to extend an unconditional invitation for Ukraine to join the alliance before the conflict concludes; it seeks to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities by lifting restrictions on weapon use and continuing military operations on Russian territory; it proposes the deployment of a “comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrent” on Ukrainian soil; it suggests that Ukrainian forces could replace some U.S. troops stationed in Europe post-conflict to bolster NATO’s security; and it aims for Ukraine to sign agreements with the U.S., EU member states, and others for joint investment and the utilization of Ukrainian natural resources.

Zelensky further stated that Ukraine is open to negotiations but will not accept proposals that involve freezing the conflict or trading land for peace.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova remarked that Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” would only push NATO towards direct conflict with Russia. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that Ukraine should recognize the futility of the “Victory Plan,” arguing that despite weeks of discussion surrounding the initiative—packaged as a “peace plan” by Zelensky—it essentially serves as a plan for the U.S. and Russia to continue fighting “to the last Ukrainian.” He stressed that a genuine peace plan must address the fundamental causes of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged he is aware of the details of the “Victory Plan” and mentioned ongoing discussions with NATO member states regarding potential next steps. He reaffirmed that Ukraine’s future membership in NATO is “irreversible,” which is a critical demand from Ukraine. However, he did not provide a direct response regarding a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO or a specific timeline for such a move.

Furthermore, according to Reuters, senior Ukrainian diplomats have requested that U.S. President Biden offer an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO before he leaves office. Zelensky has reportedly shared the “Victory Plan” with several European leaders recently, although it has yet to receive any public endorsements.