Strategic Talks in London: Zelenskiy's Victory Plan and Western Missiles

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held critical talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss Ukraine's 'victory plan' and potential Western missile use against Russia. The discussions also covered ongoing military support amid the pressing Ukraine conflict against Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy engaged in crucial discussions with NATO head Mark Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on his 'victory plan' and the potential deployment of Western missiles against Russian targets. Both leaders acknowledged the pivotal phase in the ongoing war with Russia and emphasized the need for enhanced Western support to shift the battlefield dynamics.

Zelenskiy urged the United States and the United Kingdom to allow the use of long-range missiles provided by allies within Russian territory, a proposal that was deliberated during the meeting, according to Rutte. However, the decision ultimately rests with individual allies, as Rutte stated post-meeting in Downing Street.

While Starmer's spokesperson noted ongoing discussions between the UK, Ukraine, and global partners to bolster Ukraine's winter strategy, they reiterated that victory extends beyond any single weapon. Specifically, there was no shift in the UK's stance on the usage of long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Russia, meanwhile, warned that Western facilitation of Ukrainian strikes on its territory could escalate the conflict to direct NATO involvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)