"We must survive and win." Key insights from Zelensky's interview on the victory strategy.

President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an extensive interview about Ukraine's victory plan. He also addressed questions regarding economic reservation, mobilization starting at 18 years old, and what victory might look like.

RBC-Ukraine highlights the key statements.

How the West is responding to the victory plan

The Ukrainian team has been collaborating with the U.S. on points related to NATO membership invitations and strengthening the army right now. "Regarding feedback, I am waiting for the White House team in Ukraine. They will be here soon with various responses," the president said.

According to him, part of the plan is to receive a military aid package worth between $500 million and $750 million every 2-3 weeks. This is necessary to maximize Ukraine's strength during October to December (the period covered by the victory plan).

France is taking the lead in the training of Ukrainian troops. Specifically, one brigade is currently undergoing training and being equipped with military equipment. "By the end of November, the brigade will be in Ukraine. France is ahead of other countries in this regard," he noted, adding that President Emmanuel Macron, in his opinion, will work with partners on inviting Ukraine to NATO.

As for the point concerning deterring Russia and long-range missiles, neither the U.S., the UK, France, Germany, nor Italy are willing to take risks alone. Zelensky believes this is because Western leaders are not ready to completely shut the door on the Russian Federation.

"For Germany, the issue of long-range weapons is the most sensitive. We have talked a lot about Ukraine's future in NATO. The German position is very important because skepticism remains among the Germans. I believe we are closer to NATO with the U.S. than we have ever been. I think we are much closer," he added.

Will the plan be adjusted?

Zelensky stated that he is open to other proposals. "For instance, yesterday, 18 countries came forward with their thoughts in our dialogue. And if they talk about strengthening Ukraine, how can we be against it?" he said.

It is possible that certain aspects of the sanctions policy against Russia may be clarified. According to him, everyone in the West understands that the current sanctions are not fully effective. They are impactful, but not enough to force Russia to reduce defense spending. Western policy does not affect Russia's GDP; Moscow successfully circumvents sanctions with the help of allies.

"I am glad that the leadership of the European Union is 100% on our side. I am pleased that we have been able to build such harmony in recent years. They understand that sanctions work, but they need to be strengthened," the president added.

Why is a victory plan necessary?

The victory plan aims to strengthen Ukraine ahead of the second World Summit. It also seeks to fill the information space with necessary narratives. Otherwise, it will be completely filled with proposals from the Russian Federation, its allies, or other "distant countries."

Passivity could lead to Russia uniting these countries around its ideas. The victory plan is a new wave following the Kursk operation, which previously halted Moscow's information policy.

"But, unfortunately, they (the Russians) are being listened to... It is very important that the wave not only be created but also yield results. Ukraine is back on top; it is believed in again," Zelensky said.

Is there an alternative to the NATO invitation?

Currently, Western partners have no alternative to the first point of the victory plan. "Yes, they can talk about a frozen conflict, let's stop now. The question is, what will happen the day after tomorrow? When Putin gathers his forces, why wouldn’t there be a complete occupation of Ukraine? Or an attempt to repeat 2022? Who guarantees that? And here, no one is raising their hand," he noted.

According to him, allies are not ready to provide security guarantees comparable to NATO ones. This applies not only to military security but also to financial and economic security. "We must be equal members of the EU. Therefore, when we talk about security guarantees, can we be offered something that works? That's all," the president said.

Will Ukraine have nuclear weapons?

"We did not intend to create any threat to world peace or any nuclear weapons," Zelensky emphasized.

He stated that yesterday's publications in Western media were a setup. Ukraine should be under NATO's umbrella precisely because in the 1990s, according to the Budapest Memorandum, it gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for guarantees that Russia violated.

"I do not want my words to be twisted. I want to say that Ukraine gave up everything, but we did not receive real protection. And of what is on the table today, the only real option is NATO. I do not see serious risks in the invitation," he noted, adding that some NATO countries might not sign the invitation as they wish to keep space for dialogue with Russia.

Is there a "Plan B"?

There is no specific "Plan B" if Ukraine does not receive an invitation to NATO. According to the president, much may change after the U.S. presidential elections. "The situation is such that the main donor of Ukraine is the U.S. And if their policy changes after the elections, those changes will become 'Plan B'," Zelensky declared.

U.S. policy will itself influence the development or conclusion of the Russian-Ukrainian war. As of now, no one can say how this will unfold. Statements may vary—both in support of Ukraine and against it.

"They are not fighting for Ukraine in their elections, which is fair for their country. We believe we must remain in focus because we are at war," he added.

On two new points of the victory plan

Development of Ukrainian subsoil resources. Since 2014, Russians have seized territories with valuable minerals at high cost. Initially, there was a coal shortage, and now the occupiers are approaching other deposits.

"Our partners are still buying this somewhere, investing money. Some countries had uranium developments in Africa, and Russia pushed them out. And for them, this is a chance. Do we want Russia to seize this part of our territories tomorrow? And all this goes to Russia, Iran, China, North Korea? We do not know what Russia is negotiating with them when it receives something from them," Zelensky explained.

Ukrainians in NATO forces. This point is favored by both American and European partners. After the war, Ukraine will have a large army, and many people will not return to their previous professions and can be useful with combat experience, NATO training, and experience using Western technology.

"And they are not afraid of the Russians, which is very important. No one knows how NATO countries will react to border crossings by Russia. Because there was no experience. And therefore, our people, tens, or perhaps hundreds of thousands, can be there if they choose that path. Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia are very positive about this. They fear Russia, and we understand why. They would like our military to protect their borders," the president said.

How Ukraine can strengthen NATO

Western partners appreciate the Ukrainian experience. They study it, and information about the effectiveness of Western weapons is open to those supplying that weaponry. "They are very satisfied; there is much that is new for them. Because there is equipment that really proves itself on the battlefield. And this affects funding; partners are now investing correctly in production," he emphasized.

Moreover, Ukraine will be able to meet the West's future arms needs. For instance, Ukrainian-made drones are already among the best in the world. Especially considering the price, quality, and quantity.

"They (partners) understand that they are investing in our drones, and tomorrow we will be supplying those drones. Tomorrow, I mean, after the war. Nordic countries are very interested; this is one of the strongest partnership alliances with Ukraine. After the agreements with Biden, the U.S. will now invest money," Zelensky said.

On the indecisiveness of allies

Zelensky does not know what partners will do next; countries are different and have varying attitudes toward the war. It is important not to lose the alliance in the "Ramstein" format, which includes over 50 countries. "This is very important support… Honestly, there are countries that support Ukraine just to support it. But thanks to the alliance, we have them," he said.

According to him, there are countries that want Ukraine to win. And these are not the ones helping reluctantly, possibly because their people support our country.

"But frankly, what difference does it make to us why some of them help us?… For themselves,