Ukraine Updates: Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan, US Arms Aid

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has unveiled a “victory plan” to end the war by 2025, coinciding with President Biden’s announcement of $425 million in new military aid for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s plan has three main components:

1. Military strategy – requesting long-range weapons and a non-nuclear deterrence package
2. NATO membership – seeking an unconditional invitation to join
3. Economic development – focusing on Ukraine’s natural resources and investment opportunities

The plan has received mixed international responses:

• The US demonstrated support through the new aid package, including air defense systems and armored vehicles
• Germany’s Chancellor Scholz backed Ukraine while emphasizing diplomatic solutions
• Russia firmly rejected the proposal, with Kremlin spokesman Peskov calling it unrealistic and warning Ukraine to “sober up”

Russia expressed particular concern about the plan’s NATO elements and use of long-range weapons, warning these could escalate into direct NATO-Russia conflict. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have captured two eastern Ukrainian villages, though Ukraine hasn’t confirmed this.

This comes as Biden prepares for talks in Germany, where Ukraine will be a major topic, and Zelenskyy plans to present his strategy at an upcoming EU summit.