Zelensky Unveils Victory Plan to Strengthen Ukraine's Position in War with Russia

Zelensky Unveils Victory Plan

Zelensky Unveils Ambitious "Victory Plan" to End War with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has presented a comprehensive "victory plan" to MPs in Kyiv, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's position to potentially conclude the war with Russia by next year. This initiative comes in response to Russia's full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.

During his address, Zelensky highlighted several key elements of the plan, including a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, requests for allies to lift restrictions on long-range strikes against Russia, a firm refusal to negotiate Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and a commitment to continue military operations into Russia's Kursk region.

The Kremlin quickly dismissed Zelensky's proposal, with a spokesman suggesting that Kyiv needs to "sober up." In his remarks, Zelensky also criticized nations like China, Iran, and North Korea for their support of Russia, labeling them a "coalition of criminals."

Zelensky plans to present this victory plan at an upcoming EU summit. He stated, “We are at war with Russia on multiple fronts—military, economic, and in the realm of information and public perception.”

The plan outlines five critical components:

1. A formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.

2. Enhanced defenses against Russian forces, including permission for allies to allow long-range strikes on Russian territory and continued military action to prevent buffer zones within Ukraine.

3. Deployment of a non-nuclear strategic deterrent package on Ukrainian soil to contain Russia.

4. Joint protection of Ukraine's critical resources and economic collaboration with the US and EU.

5. A proposal for the post-war replacement of some US troops in Europe with Ukrainian forces.

   
   

Zelensky mentioned that three additional elements of the plan would remain confidential, shared only with Ukraine's partners.

This initiative was previously shared with US President Joe Biden and candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, along with key allies like Britain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, Zelensky acknowledged growing fatigue among Ukrainians, admitting that the notion of "victory" has become uncomfortable for many.

As the conflict continues, national morale is waning due to the high death toll and ongoing Russian assaults, raising concerns that any peace deal might require territorial concessions for security guarantees. Despite this, Zelensky remains resolute, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to maintain its military strength and not cede territory.

He framed the situation as an opportunity for Western investment in Ukraine's natural resources and economic potential. However, with Ukraine heavily reliant on Western support, the success of his "victory plan" will hinge on securing the backing of the next US president.

In response to Zelensky's address, the Kremlin dismissed his "ephemeral peace plan," insisting that Ukraine must recognize the futility of its current approach for the war to end. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that only then could a resolution be reached.

Zelensky Unveils Victory Plan to Strengthen Ukraine's Position in War with Russia