Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' to be Unveiled in Germany
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present a comprehensive 'Victory Plan' to allies during a crucial NATO meeting scheduled for October 12 at the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany. This announcement comes in the wake of a significant territorial loss for Ukraine, as Russian forces captured the eastern city of Volodar after two years of resistance. Zelensky's plan aims to outline specific and actionable steps to achieve a just end to the ongoing conflict with Russia, nearly 1,000 days into the war.
In a recent Telegram post, Zelensky emphasized the urgency and clarity of the Victory Plan, which he previously discussed with US President Joe Biden and key figures in the upcoming US presidential election, including Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The plan reportedly includes constructive steps for collaboration between the United States and Ukraine, although some US officials have criticized it as an aggressive demand for more military aid and the lifting of restrictions on long-range missile usage.
Russian Advances and Ongoing Conflict
As Ukraine prepares for this pivotal meeting, Russia has made further advances in the region. On October 5, Russian forces announced their control over a new village near Pokrovsk, a strategic logistical hub for Ukrainian operations in eastern Ukraine. This village, located southeast of Ukrainsk, has been a focal point of Russian military efforts in recent weeks, contributing to their broader goal of capturing Pokrovsk itself, which is critical for supplying Ukrainian forces.
The situation remains dire, with reports indicating that Russian strikes have resulted in civilian casualties, including two deaths in Zaporizhia and multiple injuries in Gorlivka. Currently, Russian forces occupy approximately 18% of Ukrainian territory, including four annexed regions and Crimea, which was seized in 2014. The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, raising concerns about the feasibility of Zelensky's Victory Plan and the overall trajectory of the war.