Ukraine live: Zelensky unveils ‘victory plan’ as Australia to deliver Abrams tanks

The fifth section of Volodymyr Zelensky’s victory plan is geared toward the post-war period.

While presenting his plan to the Ukrainian parliament, Mr Zelensky said Kyiv will have a big army of experienced military personnel after the war.

“These are our soldiers – warriors who will possess real experience in modern warfare, successful use of Western weaponry, and extensive interaction with Nato forces,” he said.

“This Ukrainian experience should be used to strengthen the alliance’s defence and ensure security in Europe. It’s a worthy mission for our heroes.”

He also mentioned that, with partners’ approval, Ukrainian units could replace certain US military contingents stationed in Europe.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan” is making a direct conflict between NATO and Russia more likely, the Russian foreign ministry has said.

The plan would be a disaster for the Ukrainian people, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, after Zelensky presented the five-point plan to the Ukrainian parliament.

Zelensky called on western allies to take urgent and significant steps in bolstering support for Ukraine, claiming the war could be over next year if his plan is followed.

The Kremlin accused Kyiv of needing to “sober up” in response, adding that it was too early to comment on the details of the plan.

Australia is sending dozens of soon-to-be-replaced Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a new military support package worth $245m, officials said.

“The [Anthony] Albanese Government underlined its steadfast support for Ukraine announcing the gifting of 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. This will bolster the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion,” according to a statement issued by the Australian government’s defence department.

“These tanks will deliver more firepower and mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and complement the support provided by our partners for Ukraine’s armoured brigades — Australia has been steadfast in our support for Ukraine,” Australian defence minister Pat Conroy said.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine in their fight against Russia’s illegal invasion,” the minister said.

Volodymyr Zelensky will attend a Nato defence ministers’ meeting today, according to the bloc’s revised agenda.

The Ukrainian president unveiled his “victory plan” yesterday, calling on allies to take urgent steps to bolster Kyiv at a precarious moment in a bid to end the war with Russia next year.

Earlier yesterday, Nato chief Mark Rutte told reporters he was aware of the details of Mr Zelensky’s plan and that he was in touch with the alliance’s member countries on the next steps.

“The victory plan, of course, we are very much debating with them and using every opportunity to take that one step-by-step further,” Mr Rutte said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has accused North Korea of sending troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Kim Jong-un is already believed to have between 80 and 90 nuclear warheads at his disposal, and likely has enough enriched plutonium and uranium – known as fissile material – to build in this tally significantly, according to a new report by the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi).

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico said there is a “high” probability of the war in Ukraine ending soon, according to TASR news agency.

Fico spoke on Wednesday before he left for an European Union summit, to which Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to present his newly-unveiled five-point ‘Victory Plan’.

Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Fico said: “The probability of the war in Ukraine ending is high in the short term. I expect some hint tomorrow, because suddenly the topic of an invitation for Ukraine to NATO is appearing.”

A Russian man convicted of discrediting the military with his daughter’s artwork has finally been released from prison.

Alexei Moskalyov was convicted in March 2023 on the basis of posts that he made on a social media site. The post came to authorities’ attention after his daughter, then age 13, made a drawing in school opposing the military operation.

Reports of North Korean troops fighting against Ukraine are very serious, South Korea’s vice foreign mininster Kim Hong-kyun said on Wednesday.

It comes after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused North Korea of sending troops to Russia.

South Korea said earlier this month that it was “highly likely” that this was taking place – read the full report below.