President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has unveiled his „victory plan“ for the ongoing war with Russia, amidst increasing pressure from Western partners to negotiate. Zelenskyy’s plan includes key points such as an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and permission to use Western-supplied longer-range missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory. These steps have been met with reluctance by Kyiv’s allies so far, but Zelenskyy believes that following this plan could potentially end the war by next year.
Addressing the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is not prepared for a „frozen conflict“ or any „trade-offs involving territory or sovereignty.“ The mood in Ukraine is grim as its troops face challenges in holding back Russian advances, especially in the east. The need for more large-scale Western assistance has become increasingly apparent as the war enters its third year.
Despite the urgency of the situation, there are concerns that support for Ukraine may be affected by the focus on conflicts in the Middle East and the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Zelenskyy’s plan, which has been shared with key allies including U.S. President Joe Biden, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Moscow. It includes seeking NATO membership, permission for longer-range missile attacks, continued military operations in Russia, and the need for more air defense systems and intelligence from allies.
The request for a NATO invitation puts the alliance in a challenging position, as it has struggled to find a way to bring Ukraine closer without formally inviting it in. Zelenskyy believes that such an invitation would alter President Vladimir Putin’s geopolitical calculations. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has remained noncommittal, stating that discussions are ongoing to understand how Ukraine’s plan could help end the war and strengthen its position for future peace negotiations.
While Zelenskyy’s plan has not yet received public support from Western partners, lawmakers in Ukraine have had mixed reactions to its feasibility. Opposition lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenko criticized the plan as more of a wish list than a concrete strategy, especially as Russia continues to advance in the east. However, lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko from Zelenskyy’s party viewed the plan as realistic and pragmatic, contingent on sufficient aid and support from allies.
The plan’s unveiling has drawn mockery from the Kremlin, with Russian officials dismissing it as „ephemeral“ and a set of incoherent slogans. Zelenskyy also highlighted allegations of North Korea, Iran, and China aiding Russia in the war effort, emphasizing Ukraine’s rich natural resources that are key targets for Russia. He suggested that sharing these resources with partners could boost both economies and strengthen alliances against Russia.
As Ukraine navigates the complexities of its „victory plan“ and seeks support from Western allies, the path to ending the war remains uncertain. The future of Ukraine’s relationship with NATO, the response from Russia, and the level of international assistance will all play crucial roles in determining the outcome of this conflict. Zelenskyy’s determination to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is evident, but the road to victory is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.