Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of strength in negotiations with Russia during discussions with European Union leaders and NATO defense chiefs in Brussels on Thursday. He outlined his “victory plan,” asserting that Ukraine must be in a robust position before engaging in any peace talks.

As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine is gradually losing ground in the eastern Donbas region, increasing the urgency for a strategic exit. Zelensky insisted that bolstered support from Western allies is crucial for achieving this. He stated, “Ukraine is ready for real diplomacy, but for it, we must be strong,” highlighting that any truce imposed without fairness would not ensure security.

Zelensky contended that Russia would only engage in meaningful diplomacy when it recognizes its inability to achieve its goals through military force. He reinforced this notion by stating, “This is the plan. This is exactly what’s needed, and we must create the right conditions to end this war.”

Following the EU summit, Zelensky was set to participate in a two-day meeting with NATO’s 32 member states, where he would hold a joint press conference with NATO’s chief, Mark Rutte. While Rutte acknowledged Zelensky’s proposal as a “strong signal,” he also noted that he did not fully endorse the entirety of the plan. One of the key components of Zelensky’s plan includes an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, a request viewed as unrealistic by many.

Zelensky’s plan categorically dismisses any territorial concessions, urges Western allies to remove restrictions on utilizing donated long-range weaponry against Russian military targets, and proposes the deployment of a “non-nuclear strategic deterrence package” within Ukraine.

In recent weeks, Zelensky has engaged in diplomatic efforts in several major cities, including Washington, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and London, to promote his plan, which he recently presented to Ukrainian lawmakers. However, support from Western nations remains elusive.

While NATO member states have proclaimed that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” to membership, significant resistance persists, particularly from the United States and Germany. They argue that granting Ukraine immediate entry into the alliance would essentially place NATO in direct conflict with Russia, a nuclear power.

Rutte reiterated the Alliance’s stance on Thursday, affirming that “Ukraine will be a member of NATO in the future,” but without indicating an immediate timeline. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith candidly stated that the alliance was not discussing issuing an invitation to Ukraine in the near future, indicating no imminent shift in U.S. policy, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election.

Insiders acknowledge that the ongoing U.S. electoral contest looms large over the NATO discussions, with the Alliance appearing to be in a state of “waiting mode.” Nonetheless, the urgency of the situation is evident, given the challenging conditions on the battlefield.

Rutte highlighted NATO’s commitment to ensuring “massive military aid continues flowing into Ukraine,” aiming to empower Zelensky and his team to negotiate from a position of strength should they choose to engage in discussions with Russia.

Despite Ukraine’s calls for enhanced air defense systems in light of ongoing Russian assaults on its cities and infrastructure, NATO is not expected to announce any new military support during this week’s meetings.

Within NATO, there are differing opinions regarding the path forward. Some officials believe that the setbacks faced by Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion provide sufficient justification for pursuing a negotiated settlement, rather than allowing the conflict to prolong indefinitely.

“There are various ways to define victory or defeat,” remarked one NATO official. On the eve of the NATO meeting, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz advocated for exploring potential avenues to end the conflict, which may include dialogue with Putin.

However, some diplomats express concern that any outcome short of a complete victory for Kyiv could lead to dire consequences, fearing that an emboldened Russia might extend its aggression beyond Ukraine.

As discussions continue, the necessity for a strategic approach to both military support and diplomatic negotiations remains paramount in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. The importance of establishing a position of strength before entering any potential negotiations is echoed throughout the discussions, reinforcing the belief that Ukraine’s future security hinges on a robust military stance coupled with unwavering support from its allies.