Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a long-anticipated “victory plan” aimed at enhancing his country’s position to potentially end the war with Russia.
During his address to parliament in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that the plan could conclude the conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, by next year.
Key components of the plan include a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, lifting of bans by allies on long-range strikes with Western-supplied weapons deep into Russia, a commitment to not trade Ukraine’s territories and sovereignty, and the continuation of operations in Russia’s western Kursk region.
The Kremlin responded dismissively, with a spokesperson saying that Kyiv needed to “sober up.”
In his address, Zelensky also criticised China, Iran, and North Korea for their support of Russia, labelling them as a “coalition of criminals.” He further remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “gone mad,” asserting that he is intent on waging wars.
Zelensky plans to present this victory plan at an upcoming EU summit.
“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 told parliament.
The plan comprises five key points:
- Inviting Ukraine to join the NATO military alliance.
- Strengthening Ukraine’s defence against Russian forces, including obtaining permission from allies to use long-range weapons on Russian territory and continuing military operations to prevent the creation of “buffer zones” in Ukraine.
- Containing Russia through a non-nuclear strategic deterrent package deployed on Ukrainian soil.
- Joint protection by the US and the EU of Ukraine’s critical natural resources and collaborative use of their economic potential.
- For the post-war period only: replacing some US troops stationed across Europe with Ukrainian soldiers.
Zelensky mentioned that three “addendums” to the plan remain secret and will only be shared with Ukraine’s partners.
The plan had previously been presented to US President Joe Biden and presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in September.
Key allies like Britain, France, Italy, and Germany have also reportedly been briefed on it.
However, last month, US officials quoted by the Wall Street Journal expressed concerns that the plan lacked a comprehensive strategy and was merely a repackaged request for additional weapons and lifted restrictions on long-range missiles.
Analysts in both Ukraine and the West suggest that the Biden administration aims to avoid further escalation with Russia leading up to the US presidential election.
Zelensky acknowledged the growing fatigue within his country, stating that “victory has become for some an uncomfortable word and it’s not easy to achieve.”
National morale is waning under the strain of a rising death toll, a controversial mobilisation law, and ongoing Russian assaults on Ukrainian territory.
It is increasingly believed that any peace deal would require Ukraine to concede territory in exchange for security guarantees.
Nonetheless, Zelensky showed no inclination toward compromise, reiterating his intent to compel Russia to negotiate without ceding any Ukrainian territory by strengthening his military.
He asserted that his comprehensive plan could be implemented with the agreement of his allies rather than Russia.
In public, Zelensky appears to view this conflict as existential, warning of Russian President Putin’s efforts to fortify his position.
He also framed his vision as an opportunity for Western allies in terms of natural resources and economic potential.
While the Ukrainian president urges his weary troops to continue fighting, the success of his “victory plan” will depend on the approval of the next US president.
In reaction to Zelensky’s plan, NATO’s new Secretary General Mark Rutte described it as a “strong signal” from Kyiv but added,
“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.”
Rutte expressed confidence that Ukraine would join NATO in the future.
Immediately after Zelensky’s speech, the Kremlin dismissed his “ephemeral peace plan,” asserting that Ukraine needed to “sober up.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the only way to end the war was for Ukraine to “realise the futility of the policy it is pursuing.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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