Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a much-anticipated “victory plan” to the members of parliament, designed to bolster Ukraine’s position and ultimately bring an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In his address to the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that the plan has the potential to conclude the war, which began with Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, by next year.
Key components of the strategy include a formal request for NATO membership, lifting restrictions imposed by allies on the use of long-range Western-supplied weaponry against targets deep within Russia, a steadfast commitment to preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and the continuation of military operations into Russia’s western Kursk region.
The Kremlin dismissed Zelensky’s initiative, with a spokesperson suggesting that Kyiv needed to “sober up.”
During his address, Zelensky also condemned China, Iran, and North Korea for their support of Russia, labeling them a “coalition of criminals.” He went further to assert that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “gone mad,” emphasizing Putin’s intent to wage wars.
Zelensky indicated that he would be presenting this victory plan at an EU summit scheduled for Thursday. “We are at war with Russia on the battlefield, in international relations, in the economy, in the information sphere, and in people’s hearts,” he stated in parliament.
The plan consists of five essential points:
- An invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
- Enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian forces, which includes seeking permission from allies to deploy their long-range weapons on Russian territory and continuing military operations within Russia to prevent the establishment of “buffer zones” in Ukraine.
- The implementation of a non-nuclear strategic deterrent package on Ukrainian soil to contain Russia.
- Joint protection of Ukraine’s vital natural resources by the United States and the European Union, along with collaborative economic initiatives.
- For the post-war period, a proposal to replace some US troops stationed in Europe with Ukrainian soldiers.
Zelensky also mentioned that three “addendums” related to the plan would remain confidential and only be disclosed to Ukraine’s partners.
In Kyiv, residents expressed their views to the BBC, with many showing support for Zelensky’s initiative. “We should not give up territory,” said Anatoly, who added that he hoped for Ukraine’s NATO membership and increased support from its allies. Nadia emphasized that the effectiveness of the plan hinged on the security guarantees Ukraine could secure. Another resident, Maria, highlighted the urgent desire for a swift conclusion to the war, stating, “people want to end the war as soon as possible.”
Zelensky’s proposal was shared with US President Joe Biden, as well as presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, in September. Key allies, including Britain, France, Italy, and Germany, have also reportedly been briefed on the plan. On Wednesday evening, Zelensky updated Biden on the “victory plan.”
He expressed gratitude for a new $425 million defense assistance package from the United States, which includes air defense systems and long-range weaponry. The White House characterized the package as encompassing “a range of additional capabilities,” including air defense and artillery systems, along with ammunition and hundreds of armored vehicles. In response to Zelensky’s “victory plan,” the White House noted that “the two leaders tasked their teams to engage in further consultations on next steps.”
Last month, officials from the Biden administration expressed concern that the plan lacked a comprehensive strategy, suggesting it was merely a reiteration of requests for additional weaponry and the removal of restrictions on the use of long-range missiles, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Analysts in both Ukraine and the West speculate that the White House is keen to avoid escalating tensions with Russia in light of the upcoming US presidential election.
However, Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, downplayed concerns regarding the implications of a potential Trump presidency on the war. He told BBC Newshour that “no matter who becomes the next American president, he or she will have to follow American interests and it is in the best American interest to support Ukraine.”
Zelensky’s conditions for peace appear increasingly at odds with the surrounding circumstances. In his speech before parliament, he acknowledged the rising fatigue within the nation. His own weariness was evident as he remarked, “victory has become for some an uncomfortable word and it’s not easy to achieve.”
National morale is waning under the strain of a mounting death toll, a contentious mobilization law, and persistent Russian assaults on Ukrainian territory. It is increasingly believed that any peace agreement would necessitate Ukraine conceding territory in exchange for security guarantees. Nevertheless, Zelensky showed no signs of yielding to compromise that could bring the war to a close. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to compelling Russia to negotiate without ceding any Ukrainian territory, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Merezhko asserted that Zelensky’s address did not imply any territorial concessions, categorizing such ideas as “out of the question.” He contended that the comprehensive plan could be realized with the consent of Ukraine’s allies rather than involving Russia.
In public statements, Zelensky continues to portray the war as existential, cautioning that Putin is intensifying his position. He framed his vision as a prospective investment opportunity for Western allies concerning natural resources and economic potential.
Zelensky is determined that his beleaguered troops continue to fight. However, with the Ukrainian military heavily dependent on Western support, the success of his “victory plan” will hinge on the endorsement of the next US president.
NATO’s new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte, responded to Zelensky’s proposal by calling it a “strong signal” from Kyiv. “That doesn’t mean that I here can say I support the whole plan – that would be a bit difficult because there are many issues that we have to understand better,” he added. Rutte expressed confidence that “in the future, Ukraine will join us [NATO].”
Immediately following Zelensky’s address, the Kremlin dismissed the plan as an “ephemeral peace plan,” insisting that Ukraine must “sober up.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that the only path to ending the war was for Ukraine to “realise the futility of the policy it is pursuing.”