Zelensky's Bold Victory Plan: Will Ukraine Finally Join NATO and End the War?

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a much-anticipated victory plan for Ukraine in parliament on October 16, although some aspects of it remain classified. The proposal consists of five main points: an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, defense strategies, deterrence against Russian aggression, initiatives for economic growth and cooperation, and the establishment of a post-war security framework.

The plan includes three secret addenda that will be disclosed to faction leaders, as noted by David Arakhamia, the parliamentary leader of the ruling party. Zelensky asserted, "If the plan is supported, we can end the war no later than next year," during the parliamentary session attended by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, and various Western diplomats.

Leading the proposal is Ukraine's NATO membership invitation, which Kyiv submitted in September 2022 but has not yet received a definitive response from its allies. Zelensky emphasized that this step should be taken "now," indicating a departure from his previous statements suggesting a delay until the war's conclusion.

The second point of the plan stresses the necessity of carrying the conflict into Russian territory, similar to the cross-border incursion in Kursk that occurred in early August. It calls for the removal of restrictions on long-range strikes into Russia, additional supplies of long-range capabilities, and enhanced Western assistance in intercepting Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine.

The third element pertains to non-nuclear deterrence and includes classified components. Ukraine proposes a "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" aimed at protecting the nation against...