Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to unveil his long-awaited “victory plan” to Parliament on Wednesday, after weeks of hinting about the strategy to Western allies, including U.S. President Joe Biden.
The plan, which outlines military, political, diplomatic, and economic strategies, is seen as Ukraine’s final effort to secure a stronger position in future negotiations with Russia.
However, no country has publicly endorsed or commented on the plan’s feasibility.
Zelensky aims to solidify this strategy before a new U.S. President is sworn in next year. Ukrainian officials acknowledge that neither candidate guarantees a better outcome for Kyiv, whether Vice President Kamala Harris is victorious or Former President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a joint press conference during the Crimea Platform summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 11, 2024. On Wednesday, Zelensky is set to to unveil his ‘victory plan’ to Ukrainian lawmakers.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo
On Monday, Presidential adviser Serhii Leshchenko announced Zelensky’s plan to present the strategy to Parliament amid worsening conditions for Ukraine’s military on the eastern front, where Russian forces are advancing near the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk.
Ukraine’s challenges are growing. The country faces a difficult mobilization effort, it has struggled to replenish its forces and its military has limited ammunition stocks. Meanwhile, Russia’s air superiority continues to erode Ukrainian defenses.
It remains unclear how much of the plan Zelensky will reveal, though Leshchenko suggested it could be fully unveiled, while other officials indicated that sensitive elements may be kept confidential.
Zelensky’s plan hinges on continued Western support. Without it, any ceasefire deal with Russia would likely be unfavorable for Ukraine, which has lost 20 percent of its territory and tens of thousands of lives.
Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, on Sept. 26, 2024. Zelensky is keen to get the ‘victory plan’ in place before a new U.S. president is sworn in next year.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo
The plan outlines Ukraine’s goal of joining NATO, increasing access to long-range Western weapons, boosting air defenses, and intensifying sanctions on Russia.
Zelensky revealed that Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August was part of this victory plan. The capture of around 380 square miles of Russian territory could serve as a valuable bargaining chip for Kyiv in future talks with Moscow.
NATO membership is crucial to the plan. Ukraine argues that joining the alliance would deter future Russian invasions. However, Western leaders have hesitated to offer an invitation, fearing escalation with Moscow.
U.S. President Joe Biden, center, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders pose for a family picture of the launching of a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction, on Sept. 25, 2024, in New York. Zelensky is expected to present his ‘victory plan’ to defeat Russia on Wednesday.
Leon Neal/AP Photo
Zelensky has sought responses from allies, particularly at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base. The summit was postponed after Biden canceled his attendance due to Hurricane Milton in the U.S.
Zelensky has since promoted the plan to Western capitals, but none have expressed clear support so far. Some allies have voiced concerns over Zelensky’s tight deadline for adopting the plan’s core elements.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
