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Ukraine's Zelensky to hold talks with EU, NATO leaders in Brussels

17.10.2024 10:30
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to appeal for more Western support for his war-weary country during talks with European Union and NATO officials in Brussels on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: EPA/UKRAINE PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

The Ukrainian president is first scheduled to attend a summit of EU leaders, followed by a visit to the European Parliament, and then NATO headquarters, where a two-day meeting of the alliance's defence ministers will begin on Thursday afternoonpublic broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

Zelensky on Wednesday unveiled a five-point "victory plan" that he says could bring an end to the war with Russia as early as next year if implemented without delay.

Taking to X on Thursday morning, Zelensky announced: "I am currently en route to Brussels for a special European Council meeting at the leadership level, where I will present our Victory Plan – a tool to compel Russia towards peace."

He added: "European leaders will hear how we need to strengthen our positions to end this war justly."

Zelensky further said in his post: "Meetings in the European Parliament are also planned – with President Roberta Metsola and the heads of political groups. I will also meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and we are preparing for the 'Ukraine-NATO' Council meeting at the defense ministers’ level."

He affirmed that his priority is "securing more protection for Ukraine ahead of the winter."

Presenting his "victory plan" to Ukraine's parliament on Wednesday, Zelensky called for urgent action and unity among Ukraine's allies, saying that the initiative was designed to bolster the country's position sufficiently to end the conflict, according to a report by the Reuters news agency.

The plan outlined by Zelensky includes an unconditional invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and a strategic non-nuclear deterrence package for the country, according to Reuters.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Thursday is day 967 of Russia's war on Ukraine.

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, Ukrinform