Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to rally Western support for his “Victory Plan” against Russia. On Thursday, he arrived at 10 Downing Street in London for a high-profile meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. This crucial gathering is part of Zelensky’s broader diplomatic effort to secure military and geopolitical backing from key allies in Europe and beyond.
The meeting with Starmer, coming only months after his July election, signals a renewed commitment from the UK to support Ukraine during this critical phase of the conflict. While details of the discussions remain private, it is believed that Zelensky is seeking assurances on security guarantees and increased military aid, especially long-range weaponry. The aim is to ensure Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and launch strategic offensives without relying on negotiations with Russia.
Following his discussions in London, Zelensky will travel to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and is also scheduled to meet leaders from Germany and Italy later this week. This European tour underscores the urgency of rallying international support for Ukraine’s defense, especially as Kyiv continues to appeal for the use of Western-supplied long-range weaponry to strike targets inside Russia.
Originally, Zelensky had intended to present a detailed blueprint of his Victory Plan at a meeting of Western leaders and defense ministers in Germany. However, the event was postponed due to U.S. President Joe Biden’s need to address the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Florida. The Ukrainian leader remains hopeful that the meeting will be rescheduled for next Wednesday, where he will further press for swift decisions from his allies.
During a summit in Croatia earlier this week, Zelensky hinted at the core tenets of his plan. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine both geopolitically and on the battlefield, with no room for negotiation with Russia. In his view, any show of weakness from Ukraine’s allies could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We’re asking them to strengthen us, in terms of security guarantees, in terms of weapons, and in terms of our future after this war,” Zelensky said. “Putin only understands force.”
Despite some Western leaders showing openness to Ukraine’s requests for long-range weaponry, U.S. President Joe Biden has remained cautious, fearing that such moves could escalate the conflict further.
The discussions in London are expected to set the tone for the upcoming weeks, as Zelensky continues his diplomatic push to ensure sustained and enhanced support from his Western allies.