Published: 11:16, October 17, 2024 | Updated: 12:29, October 17, 2024
Russia: Zelensky's plan could trigger direct conflict with NATO
By Xinhua
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova arrives to attend Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, Jan 18, 2023. (PHOTO / AP) 

MOSCOW - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's "victory plan" could push the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) toward a direct conflict with Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wednesday. 

Zakharova said Zelensky insisted on obtaining permission to use long-range weapons on Russian territory, "perfectly understanding" the consequences that Russian leadership has warned against. 

ALSO READ: Zelensky unveils Ukraine's 'victory plan'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that the new proposal is likely just the same American plan to fight until the last Ukrainian, which Zelensky has now disguised as a "peace plan". 

READ MORE: Russia not to participate in Ukraine peace summit

Zelensky presented his "victory plan" to the Ukrainian parliament earlier on Wednesday, where he outlined Ukraine's strategy in the ongoing conflict with Russia. 

READ MORE: Russia warns of potential nuke reply to Western moves in Ukraine

The five-point plan covers geopolitical, military, economic, and security goals, calls for Ukraine's NATO membership in the near future, and includes a proposal to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using long-range Western weapons on targets inside Russia.