Ukrainian president travels across Europe to promote 'victory plan'

After holding talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London, Mr Zelenskyy quickly had another meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, who sent a strong signal of support for Ukraine by visiting Ukrainian soldiers training in France.

On social network X, President Zelenskyy said he had "outlined in detail" Ukraine's victory plan with Prime Minister Starmer, adding: "We have agreed to cooperate on implementing this plan together with our allies."

Prime Minister Starmer's Downing Street office said the leaders discussed the detailed plan, the challenges facing Ukraine in the coming winter and "how investing in our country's security now will support wider European security for future generations".

The Ukrainian leader also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, later saying the two discussed transatlantic cooperation and Ukraine's military buildup. He did not give details but tweeted that "these are steps that will create the best conditions for the restoration of a just peace."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (center), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (right) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at 10 Downing Street, London, October 10. Photo: AP

Mr Zelenskyy had planned to present his blueprint at a weekend meeting of Western leaders in Germany, but the event was postponed after Mr Biden was unable to attend because of Hurricane Milton hitting Florida.

Mr Zelenskyy then embarked on a short tour of European capitals, which are among Ukraine's staunchest allies outside the United States.

In Paris, Mr Macron and Mr Zelenskyy discussed the plan at the Elysee Palace of the French president. Mr Zelenskyy later said he would reveal “all the details” in November and that he was in talks with allies about securing more military aid that would allow Ukrainian forces to carry out long-range strikes.

Ukraine wants its Western allies to allow it to use long-range weapons it has supplied to strike deep inside Russia. Some allies, including Britain and France, appear willing, but the US remains reluctant to escalate the conflict.

Then on October 10, Mr. Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, who assured Italy's full and continuous support "at both the bilateral and multilateral levels to put Kiev in the best possible position to build a just and lasting peace ."

Ms Meloni said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground and “Ukraine’s most urgent military, financial and humanitarian needs, as well as upcoming diplomatic initiatives and pathways to ending the conflict”.

She added that Rome will continue to play its role in the future reconstruction of Ukraine and announced the date of the next Ukraine recovery conference, which will be held in Rome in July 2025.

Mr. Zelenskyy stressed that his priority is to strengthen Ukraine's position, with the help of international partners, to create the necessary conditions for diplomatic activity.

Mr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Pope Francis on October 11 for a half-hour audience. Later in the day, he will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

Ukraine is heavily dependent on Western support, including tens of billions of dollars in military and financial aid, to continue fighting its conflict with Russia into 2022.

Mr Zelenskyy's trip comes as Russia continues to push deeper into the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine and target vital infrastructure with airstrikes.

Mr Zelenskyy said on October 9 that the victory plan aimed to strengthen Ukraine “both geopolitically and on the battlefield” ahead of any dialogue with Russia.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tong-thong-ukraine-di-khap-chau-au-de-quang-ba-ke-hoach-chien-thang-post316345.html