President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented a comprehensive “victory plan” aimed at concluding the nearly three-year conflict with Russia. This proposal includes a formal request for Ukraine’s accession to NATO and permission to utilize Western long-range missiles to target military installations in Russia—both actions that have faced reluctance from Ukraine’s allies in the past.
The backing of the United States is essential for Zelenskyy to garner additional support from other nations; however, analysts suggest that the Biden administration is likely to postpone any significant commitments until after the upcoming presidential election on November 5, as such decisions may not resonate positively with voters.
Many analysts view Zelenskyy’s plan as a progressive move for Ukraine’s military strategy, albeit one that carries significant ambition given the allies’ concerns about escalating conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.
Historically, Ukraine has successfully obtained Western military support for previously deemed unattainable requests, such as advanced air defense systems and fighter jets. By presenting this proposal now, Zelenskyy seeks to draw attention to Ukraine’s needs ahead of the next U.S. administration, though the response from the incoming president remains uncertain.
Zelenskyy Proposes Ambitious Victory Plan to End Conflict with Russia and Secure NATO Membership
The five-point plan comes at a time when Ukrainian forces are facing challenges in eastern Ukraine, where they are struggling to counter a slow but persistent Russian advance. The plan encompasses three confidential sections that were shared only with select leaders and aims to reinforce Ukraine’s position in potential peace negotiations by compelling Russia to engage in talks.
While the plan may not lead to immediate changes on the battlefield, it is expected to help Ukraine gradually exhaust Russian forces and enhance its resilience during the ongoing conflict.
Reactions from the U.S. have been characterized as muted and non-committal, despite the announcement of a new $425 million security assistance package for Ukraine coinciding with the presentation of the plan. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin refrained from evaluating the proposal but reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
In Europe, responses have been mixed; French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed a willingness to rally other nations behind Ukraine’s proposal, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his refusal to provide long-range missiles, prioritizing NATO’s avoidance of direct involvement in the war. Additionally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán labeled Zelenskyy’s plan as “more than frightening,” while Russian officials dismissed it as incoherent.
The implications of Zelenskyy’s plan are critical for Ukraine’s future. Without NATO membership, Ukraine risks having its geopolitical future become a bargaining chip in negotiations with Russia. Ukrainian officials argue that NATO is the only reliable assurance against potential future aggression.
Zelenskyy’s ambiguous remarks regarding nuclear weapons as a security alternative have sparked intense debate among Ukrainians, many of whom are skeptical about the prospects of NATO membership. The outcome of Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression largely depends on sustained support from Western allies, as external assistance is crucial for maintaining resistance in this prolonged conflict.
