Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed a pivotal “victory plan” to members of parliament, designed to reinforce Ukraine’s position and expedite the end of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking in Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that this plan has the potential to conclude the war, which has persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, by the following year.
The proposed plan contains several critical components, including a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, the lifting of bans by allies on long-range strikes using Western-supplied arms into Russian territory, a commitment to maintaining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and the continuation of military operations into the Russian western Kursk region.
In response, the Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s outline, with a spokesperson suggesting that Ukraine needs to reevaluate its position.
While addressing parliament, Zelensky also condemned the backing of Russia by countries such as China, Iran, and North Korea, labeling them a “coalition of criminals”. Additionally, he described Russian President Vladimir Putin as having “gone mad” and focused on perpetuating conflict.
The Ukrainian leader plans to further unveil this victory plan at an upcoming EU summit. “We are confronting Russia across multiple fronts—on the battlefield, in international relations, economically, in the information sphere, and within the hearts of our people,” Zelensky declared.
The five key elements of Zelensky’s plan include:
1. An invitation for Ukraine to join the NATO military alliance.
2. Strengthening Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, including the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets, and continuing military operations within Russia to avoid the creation of “buffer zones.”
3. The installation of a non-nuclear strategic deterrent on Ukrainian soil to contain Russia.
4. Joint protection of Ukraine’s critical resources and leveraging its economic capabilities alongside allied nations.
5. In the post-war context, replacing some American troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian soldiers.
He mentioned that there are three undisclosed addendums that will only be shared with Ukraine’s allies.
Public opinion in Kyiv seems largely supportive of the victory plan, with residents expressing their desire to maintain territorial integrity and hoping for enhanced support from allies. Conversations reveal a strong public sentiment for ending the war promptly while ensuring security guarantees.
Zelensky previously communicated his plan to key international leaders and recently spoke with the US President to provide an update. He also expressed gratitude for a substantial new defense assistance package from the United States, which consists of air defense systems, long-range capabilities, and additional military resources.
The White House described this latest aid package as encompassing a wide range of capabilities essential for Ukraine’s defense. Following discussions between the two leaders, their teams were instructed to explore further implementation steps for the victory plan.
However, there are concerns among some US officials that the victory plan lacks a comprehensive strategic approach, perceived as a demand for increased weapons and the easing of restrictions on long-range missile usage. Analysts suggest that the Biden administration is cautious about escalating tensions with Russia ahead of the upcoming US presidential election.
Amid the weary atmosphere within Ukraine, Zelensky acknowledged the rising fatigue among the populace and highlighted the challenges of maintaining morale in light of ongoing losses and military conscription measures. Despite the difficult environment, he is committed to urging his forces to persist in their efforts, asserting that securing the West’s backing is crucial for the success of the victory plan.
In response to Zelensky’s proposals, NATO’s newly appointed Secretary General characterized the initiative as a “strong signal” from Kyiv. While he could not endorse every aspect of the plan yet, he expressed confidence that Ukraine would ultimately become a NATO member.
The Kremlin, however, derided Zelensky’s vision as unrealistic, insisting that for peace to be achieved, Ukraine must recognize the futility of its current policies.
