Zelensky unveils ‘resilience plan’ for Ukraine on day 1,000 of Russia’s full-scale invasion
President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled a “resilience plan” for Ukraine in a parliamentary address on November 19, marking a thousand days since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country.
“Ukraine was and will remain an independent state with its own destiny. And Ukraine will determine for itself how to live now and in the future,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine has earned the right to this. But in order to be able to realize this right, we must endure now. We must not collapse now. So that the occupier collapses, not us. We need internal resilience.”
The unveiling of the “resilience plan” comes about a month after Zelensky presented a “victory plan” to Ukraine’s parliament, which some opposition lawmakers criticized for its focus on requests to international partners and failure to address domestic issues.
“In every war, to avoid defeat, there are things that the people themselves can do, and there are things that can only be achieved through unity with allies. That is why these two documents are essential,” Zelensky told the parliament on Tuesday. “And our internal unity must always be strong enough to unite our partners as well.”
The 10-point ‘resilience plan’
In his speech, Zelensky outlined the following 10 points aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s internal resistance, though he noted some of them will remain largely classified for security reasons.
Point 1: Unity
Referring to both domestic unity and “unity with allies,” Zelensky called for accelerating E.U. integration and an immediate invitation for Ukraine to join NATO. He also underscored the need for “information consolidation” and “external justice for Ukraine,” including a tribunal against the Russian Federation, the confiscation of Russian assets, and effective sanctions.
Point 2: The Front
Zelensky outlined changes in Ukraine’s approach to personnel management, mobilization and recruitment, and general training in the Armed Forces. At the same time, he assured that Ukraine is not planning to lower the mobilization age. Zelensky also said that Ukraine is planning “very specific measures to stabilize the front” and will carry out “necessary operations” in the occupied territories and against military targets in Russia.
Point 3: Armament
Ukraine will continue to expand its domestic production of artillery systems and shells, as well as drones, Zelensky said. This includes plans to produce at least 30,000 long-range drones next year and at least 3,000 cruise missiles and missile drones.
At the same time, Zelensky underscored that Ukraine needs to “surpass Russia in technology,” attract investment into its military-industrial complex, and ensure the security of defense enterprises. “Even without nuclear weapons, we can find conventional instruments of deterrence,” he said. “Our weapons will always be our first guarantor.”
Point 4: Money
In order to retain its basic resilience, Zelensky said, the Ukrainian economy needs a new economic policy based on three key things:
- Maximum support for Ukrainian entrepreneurship, localization, and domestic production;
- Security of doing business and reduced pressure on entrepreneurs from excessive regulation;
- Maximum and legal employment (or, as Zelensky put it, “de-shadowing”).
“The other side of Ukraine's economic strength is the ability of the state to fulfill its obligations, especially social ones,” he added.
Point 5: Energy
Zelensky described “Energy” as “the most classified” point of the resilience plan, “because of Russia's criminal intent to plunge Ukraine into a blackout.” Ukraine’s task, he said, is to protect its energy facilities and power grid, decentralize electricity and heat generation, manage energy consumption, and lay the groundwork for establishing the country as an energy hub post-war.
Point 6: Security
Referring to internal security in Ukraine’s cities and communities, Zelensky outlined plans to combat crime, secure public spaces and educational institutions, build and upgrade shelters, and carry out demining work. “The steps we are taking during the war to ensure internal security are only partially disclosed,” he noted.
Point 7: Communities
Underscoring the importance of “highly effective governance within communities,” Zelensky called for increased collaboration between communities within Ukraine, as well as international engagement at the community level. He also noted that certain communities — such as cities near the border with Russia and towns trying to integrate large numbers of displaced people — need tailored measures.
“We must not forget our communities that are currently in temporarily occupied territories,” Zelensky added. “Ukraine must be prepared at all levels to restore control over its entire territory at the right time and through the right actions.”
Point 8: Human Capital
Ukraine needs to create all the necessary conditions for every citizen to “truly identify” as Ukrainian and “work in, with, and for” their country, Zelensky said. The annexes to this point in the resilience plan will cover Ukraine’s policy on recovery, a national standard for accessibility, education, social policy reforms, and policy regarding religious organization, he explained.
Zelensky also said that Ukraine needs to allow dual citizenship, reboot its diplomatic service, and strengthen its policies concerning Ukrainians abroad. Accordingly, he announced plans to establish a Ministry of Ukrainian Unity, tasked with focusing on the affairs of the Ukrainian diaspora.
Point 9: Cultural sovereignty
In an effort to reinforce Ukrainian culture at home and promote it abroad, Zelensky’s government plans to launch a “cultural Ramstein” forum, he said (akin to the Ramstein Group in the defense sector). Zelensky also underscored the importance of the “deliberate and systematic creation” of Ukrainian content “capable of fully replacing Russian content” and the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes against Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Point 10: The Heroes Policy
Zelensky described the “Heroes Policy” as “perhaps the most morally significant point” in the resilience plan. He then outlined measures aimed at regulating soldiers’ transition from military service to veteran status, creating conditions for integrating war veterans into public and economic life, and boosting state support programs for veterans and their families.
“The key goal is genuine resilience for Ukraine,” Zelensky concluded. “We must end this war — and end it justly. But we must do it in a way that ensures Putin, no matter how toothless, never returns to Ukraine.”
