Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British and NATO leaders in London on Thursday to rally support for his "victory plan" in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian leader arrived at 10 Downing Street for talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Following his discussions in the UK, Zelenskyy is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
During the meeting, Starmer, along with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Defense Secretary John Healey, and armed forces chief Adm. Tony Radakin, emphasized the importance of discussing the strategic details of Zelenskyy's plan. The Ukrainian president's tour of European capitals is aimed at gaining strong support for Ukraine’s security and defense strategies against Russia.
Although specific details of Zelenskyy’s plan remain undisclosed, the blueprint reportedly focuses on bolstering Ukraine's geopolitical stance and military strength before any possible negotiations with Russia. Speaking at a summit in Croatia with southeastern European leaders, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Western unity, saying, “Weakness in any of our allies will only embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. He only understands force."
Zelenskyy’s efforts to gain access to long-range weapons have been met with mixed responses from Western allies. The UK is believed to be open to the idea, while US President Joe Biden has hesitated, citing concerns over escalating the conflict.
Ukraine continues to face persistent Russian attacks, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region and the southern city of Odesa. Regional Governor Oleh Kiper reported on Thursday that the death toll from a recent Russian missile strike in Odesa had risen to eight, with civilian infrastructure targeted, including a Panamanian-flagged container ship.
As Zelenskyy continues to seek international support for Ukraine's defense, his efforts remain crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s resilience in the ongoing war.
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