Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled his long-awaited Victory Plan in parliament this week, marking a significant moment for Ukraine as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape. Following his recent meetings with European allies, where tangible support proved elusive, Zelensky aims to fortify Ukraine’s position and pave the way for future peace talks with Russia.
What is the Victory Plan?
Zelensky’s Victory Plan consists of five main points, along with three additional “secret” points shared only with select partners. At its core, the plan seeks to bolster Ukraine’s defence and economy, aiming for an eventual resolution to the ongoing war.
- NATO Membership: Central to the plan is Ukraine’s call for an invitation to join NATO. This is seen as a vital step towards full membership and has been a long-standing ambition for Kyiv.
- Strengthening Defence: The plan emphasizes enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities, particularly in air defence systems, and urges allies to ease restrictions on long-range missile usage.
- Economic Growth: Zelensky underscores the need for economic revitalisation to support Ukraine’s long-term stability.
A Call to Action
“If we start implementing this Victory Plan now, we may be able to end the war no later than next year,” Zelensky declared, imploring both lawmakers and international allies for support. However, many elements of this plan echo proposals previously made by Kyiv, raising questions about its novelty and feasibility.
During a September visit to the White House, Zelensky first shared his vision with US President Joe Biden, resulting in a $375 million aid package. However, the Biden administration remained cautious, particularly concerning permission for Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia, a point of contention that has yet to be resolved.
Diplomatic Challenges
Zelensky’s diplomatic tour of major European nations—including the UK, France, Italy, and Germany—has not yielded the expected backing for his Victory Plan. In the wake of these discussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed Zelensky’s initiative, insisting that Kyiv needs to “sober up” and recognise the futility of its current approach.
Key Points of the Victory Plan
Let’s break down the essential components of Zelensky’s Victory Plan:
- NATO and EU Membership: A call for expedited membership in both NATO and the EU, which has been a foundational goal for Ukraine since the conflict began.
- Defence Enhancement: A focus on improving air defence capabilities and advocating for the use of long-range missiles against Russian targets.
- Joint Defence Operations: An appeal for cooperative defence operations with European neighbours to intercept Russian threats, although NATO has expressed reluctance to engage directly in the conflict.
- Continued Operations in Russia: Proposals for Ukraine to maintain military operations in Russia’s Kursk region, seen as a strategic bargaining chip.
- Non-Nuclear Deterrence Package: A new strategy for a non-nuclear deterrent aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s security without escalating nuclear tensions.
Zelensky is adamant that Ukraine will not concede territory or accept a “freeze” in negotiations. “We hear the word ‘negotiations’ from our partners, but ‘justice’ is much less frequently used,” he stated, reinforcing Ukraine’s position for fair diplomatic discussions.
A Vision for the Future
Zelensky also emphasised the importance of leveraging Ukraine’s military strength to enhance European defence post-war. He believes that a strong Ukraine could eventually play a crucial role in regional security, potentially offsetting the need for US forces in Europe.
Conclusion
Zelensky’s Victory Plan presents a comprehensive framework for Ukraine’s future amidst ongoing challenges. While the plan aims to fortify Ukraine’s defence, economy, and diplomatic standing, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on the commitment of international allies and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
As we move forward, the question remains: Will Zelensky’s vision find the support it needs to bring about an end to the conflict?
