The Ukrainian President on how to end the war with Russia, the empty rhetoric of Vladimir Putin, and what the U.S. election could mean for the fate of his country.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to be the latest world leader to nudge his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden in a face-to-face meeting into providing more firepower to Kyiv — key to a potential Ukrainian victory — and the crucial right to use it against Russia’s invading forces without restrictions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN that Ukraine’s request to use long-range missiles on targets inside Russia is part of his “victory plan,” that he is due to present to US officials next week.

Zelensky said he also expects to meet this week Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Russia has launched nearly 30 missiles, around 400 drones, and more than 900 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine over the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 22, as he called for Ukraine to be given long-range strike capabilities.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy will push US President Joe Biden to provide an official invitation to join NATO and commit to a sustained supply of advanced weapons as part of the Ukrainian president’s “victory plan” to bring the war with Russia to an end.

The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur explains the top stories of the week, from Zelensky’s "victory plan" to Biden’s policy on long-range missile strikes within Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelensky believes outgoing US President Biden can still make important decisions before leaving office that would strengthen Ukraine.