Zelenskyy outlines Ukraine’s victory plan amid EU support talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of swift decisions from allies to ensure Ukraine's success in its ongoing conflict with Russia. During a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he outlined a 'victory plan' that relies heavily on support from the European Union. The EU has pledged a substantial loan of up to 35 billion euros to assist Ukraine in its war efforts, which includes funding for air defense, energy, and weaponry. Italy is also contributing to Ukraine's defense by sending additional military equipment, specifically a Samp-T anti-missile system, while stressing the need to avoid escalating the conflict into a broader war with Russia. This highlights the delicate balance that European nations are trying to maintain as they support Ukraine without provoking further military engagement. The situation remains critical, with reports indicating that Russia has significantly damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure, knocking out approximately 9 gigawatts of capacity. This loss is equivalent to the total energy output of the three Baltic states, underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian life in Ukraine. As the war continues, Zelenskyy is set to present his strategy to U.S. leaders, amid concerns that a potential change in U.S. leadership could affect the level of support Ukraine receives. The urgency of the situation is palpable, as Ukraine seeks to solidify its alliances and secure the necessary resources to sustain its defense efforts against Russian aggression.