Zelensky presents victory plan after lack of support from allies

Zelensky presents victory plan after lack of support from allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his long-awaited “victory plan” to the Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday. This came after an attempt to gain additional, tangible support at recent meetings with European allies, but was only partially successful.

Goal of the victory plan

The plan consists of five points and three other “secret” points that were only revealed to certain partners. Zelensky told lawmakers in Kiev that the plan is intended to provide a bridge to future peace talks with Russia, while also trying to strengthen Ukraine's position to end the war.

NATO membership as a priority

At the heart of Zelensky's plan is Ukraine's desire to be invited to join the North Atlantic Defense Alliance (NATO). This would be a first step toward full NATO membership, but allies have been hesitant because Ukraine remains at war with Russia.

Defense and economic strengthening

The plan also includes measures to strengthen Ukraine's defense, implement a strategic non-nuclear deterrent package, and grow Ukraine's economy. “If we start implementing this victory plan now, we could end the war next year at the latest,” Zelensky appealed to MPs and, above all, Ukraine’s supporters abroad.

First presentation in the USA

Zelensky first presented the victory plan to US President Joe Biden during a visit to the White House in September. The Biden administration decided during this visit to... $375 million in energy assistance for Ukraine, but did not address Kiev's demands to allow deeper attacks on Russian territory.

International reactions and Kretin's assessment

Zelensky discussed the peace plan ahead of its public announcement with leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and the NATO chief. However, this tour ended with no public support for the plan from the other countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the Victory plan on Wednesday, emphasizing that a real peace plan would require Kiev to “sober up” and recognize the “pointlessness of the policy being pursued.”

The five point plan in detail

The first point of Zelensky's peace plan is the application for NATO and EU membership. The second point includes proposals to strengthen defenses, including improving air defense systems and pushing for easing restrictions on the use of long-range missiles to reach targets in Russia - which the US consistently rejects.

Challenges at the front

The proposals come at a time when Ukraine is facing setbacks on the eastern front; Russia reports gradual progress in the Donetsk region and continues to attack Ukrainian cities with drone and missile strikes. Zelensky also called for “joint defense operations with our neighbors in Europe” to intercept Russian missiles and drones. However, then-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had emphasized in the past that the military alliance would not become part of the conflict.

Different options for action

The plan also calls for continuing operations in Russia's Kursk region. Experts consider this to be important Negotiating tools for Kiev, as the country rejects calls to give up its own territory. Zelensky reiterated on Wednesday that Ukraine will not accept a "freeze" or concessions that "affect the territory or sovereignty of Ukraine."

Demand for just peace

"We hear the word 'negotiations' from our partners, but the word 'justice' is used much less often. Ukraine is open to diplomacy, but honest diplomacy," Zelensky said. "That's why we have the peace formula. It is a guarantee for negotiations without forcing Ukraine to accept injustice. Ukrainians deserve a decent peace."

Strategic deterrence

The plan also includes a new proposal to provide a “comprehensive, non-nuclear strategic deterrence package” necessary to protect Ukraine from military threats from Russia. Zelensky argued that a strong deterrent would force Russia to engage in an honest diplomatic process to bring the war to a just end or surely lose.

Economic prospects after the war

Zelensky's final pillars for peace include strengthening Ukraine's economic potential and a vision for a post-war plan. He emphasized that the strength and experience of the Ukrainian armed forces could be used to strengthen European defenses after the war and ultimately replace certain US troops in Europe.

This report was supplemented with contributions from CNN's Clare Sebastian and Anna Chernova.