Kiev Urges West to Deploy Missiles to Counter Russia
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has called for Western nations to station their missiles in Ukraine as part of a strategic deterrence plan against Russian military targets. Zelensky presented his “victory plan” to the European Council, outlining a comprehensive non-nuclear deterrence package intended to pressure Russia into peace negotiations or face military consequences.
Zelensky emphasized the need for a missile package on Ukrainian soil to strengthen deterrence efforts. He has shared details of the plan with key allies such as the US, France, Germany, Britain, and Italy. The plan includes demands for more military support, lifting restrictions on long-range weapons, and saturating Ukraine with air defense systems.
Although Zelensky’s plan has received mixed reactions, with NATO officials highlighting that Ukraine’s accession is not immediate, Russian officials have criticized it as a road to continued conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has called for Zelensky to reflect on the causes of the conflict for peace to be achieved.