Ukraine expects support for the Victory Plan and increased assistance from partners
On October 21, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, delivered a speech at the opening of the second session of the Assembly of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, highlighting Ukraine's priorities and presenting the key provisions of the Victory Plan proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasized the necessity of increasing and accelerating the provision of military aid and defense support for Ukraine.
He expressed gratitude to members of the Seimas for their appeal to the parliaments and governments of EU and NATO member states, as well as other partners, to increase this aid to at least 0.25% of GDP.
He underscored the need to secure Ukraine’s airspace by providing air defense systems and establishing a "humanitarian air shield" to counter russian missile attacks. In this context, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on colleagues to facilitate granting permission for EU and NATO member states neighboring Ukraine to shoot down enemy missiles that reach Ukraine's western borders.
He also stressed the importance of lifting any restrictions on providing and using long-range weaponry by Ukraine to strike military targets on russian territory that are crucial for its aggression, as well as the delivery of F-16 fighter jets and the training of Ukrainian pilots.
In addition, the Chairman highlighted the need to support Ukraine’s energy sector in light of russia's ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure.
At the same time, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasized the importance of increasing sanctions pressure on russia and eliminating ways for it to circumvent sanctions. He also noted the significance of establishing international legal instruments to ensure russia’s accountability, including creating an International Compensation Mechanism and a register of damages.
The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament also expressed hope for Lithuanian colleagues' support in Ukraine’s swift integration into NATO and the EU, which aligns with the interests of European and global security. He also called for backing all the tracks of President Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula and assisting in expanding the circle of its participants.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine presented in detail Ukraine's Victory Plan, as outlined by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The plan's first point is Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO as a fundamental step toward achieving peace. "This is the initial starting point of the Victory Plan," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The second point of the Victory Plan is strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. "The implementation of this point," according to the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, "includes continued operations by the Defense Forces in designated areas of russia, reinforcing Ukrainian positions, and destroying russia’s offensive potential in the occupied territories."
The third point involves deterring the aggressor. Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that this entails deploying a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package in Ukraine, which would be sufficient to protect the country from any military threats posed by russia.
The fourth point addresses the strategic economic potential and joint resource protection with partners.
According to the Chairman, the fifth point focuses on ensuring security after the war. "In post-war Europe, Ukrainian military forces will be ready to replace certain U.S. Armed Forces contingents," Ruslan Stefanchuk said.
He also stressed that this plan is closely tied to the Peace Formula, which is widely supported by the international community, including Lithuania. Ukraine is counting on its partners to help implement these steps during the Second Global Peace Summit.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked Lithuania for its assistance and expressed hope for continued support in the fight for Ukraine’s freedom and independence: "Together, we will pave the way to a just peace on the terms of the free world!" the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine concluded.