### NATO's Lukewarm Reception of Zelenskyy's Victory Plan as Ukraine Seeks Support in Brussels

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent Victory plan as a "good signal," but withheld full endorsement. This carefully measured response precedes Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to Brussels, where he intends to gain support for his initiative, freshly presented to Ukraine's parliament.

"I can't say I support the whole plan - that would be a bit difficult because there are many issues, of course, you need to understand better," Rutte remarked. The plan's aim to end the ongoing conflict involves securing a NATO membership invitation for Ukraine and ensuring continued arms supplies to pressure Russia into negotiations. Zelenskyy underscored that a NATO invitation could be "truly fundamental" for achieving peace.

Highlighting NATO’s commitment, Rutte affirmed that the alliance remains supportive of Kyiv but noted the importance of further dialogue. "We need to hammer out with Ukrainians to understand what is behind it, to see what we can and cannot do," he added. Nevertheless, Rutte did confirm that NATO would meet its €40 billion military aid goal for Ukraine.

Despite these assurances, NATO has yet to formally invite Ukraine to join the alliance, a step long promised but delayed due to significant concerns. Among these is the fear, shared by several member countries including the United States, of escalating into a conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.

Upcoming dialogues are set to continue as NATO defense ministers meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on 17 October at a NATO-Ukraine Council gathering. This meeting will focus on both the current battlefield conditions and Ukraine’s most urgent needs. Many in NATO are keen to explore further ways to support Ukraine while carefully weighing the broader implications of their decisions.