President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told lawmakers Wednesday that Ukraine’s Western partners are increasing pressure to negotiate with Russia, but he hinted such talks would be unfavorable to Kyiv as he unveiled what he called his “victory plan” for the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to present his 'victory plan' to NATO defense ministers in Brussels, despite US and German opposition to Ukraine's immediate entry into the alliance.

If we start moving according to this victory plan now, it may be possible to end the war no later than next year,” Zelensky told his country’s parliament.

"We are not at the stage where the Alliance is discussing issuing an invitation in the short term," Smith said ahead of a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Voice of America reported.

Ukraine is seeking an invitation for NATO membership before President Joe Biden leaves the White House in January, according to a new report. A senior Ukrainian diplomat spoke to Reuters and said that a NATO membership would be a fitting legacy for Biden.

Ukraine is asking for a NATO membership invitation before Joe Biden leaves the White House, arguing it would be a fitting legacy for the U.S. president, a senior Ukrainian diplomat said. "Our idea is that giving Ukraine (an) invitation at this moment is a political signal,