Overview

• President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a five-point 'victory plan' aiming to end the conflict with Russia by next year, which includes NATO membership and the lifting of restrictions on long-range weapons use.
• Zelensky's plan, presented at the EU summit and to NATO defense ministers, rejects any territorial concessions and calls for a strategic non-nuclear deterrent in Ukraine.
• The plan faces opposition from the US and Germany regarding immediate NATO membership, citing concerns over direct conflict with Russia.
• Russia continues its military pressure on Ukraine, with recent drone and missile attacks, while Ukraine reports advances by Russian forces in the east.
• Reports indicate Russia may reinforce its troops with North Korean soldiers, highlighting Moscow's manpower shortages and the deepening ties between Russia and authoritarian allies.