By William J. Furney
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled a bold “Victory Plan”, outlining his strategy to end the ongoing war with Russia and strengthen Ukraine’s position in future peace talks. The plan was presented in Kyiv on Wednesday, following his tour of European capitals, which ended without securing any new tangible support from Ukraine’s key allies.
The comprehensive five-point strategy, along with three undisclosed provisions shared only with select international partners, is intended to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and reinvigorate its push for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). But Zelensky’s call for an invitation to join NATO continues to meet resistance, with the alliance cautious about admitting a country still at war.
Despite some recent military gains, Ukraine faces mounting challenges, not least a resurgent Russian offensive in the Donetsk region and renewed missile strikes on key cities. Zelensky’s latest pitch is aimed at rallying both domestic lawmakers and the international community to commit to deeper military assistance, as Ukraine prepares for the harsh winter months ahead.
A Frustrating European Tour
Zelensky’s plea comes after a week of intense diplomatic efforts to gain additional military and financial support. Stops in London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome saw Zelensky meet with key European leaders, but none publicly endorsed his “Victory Plan” in the way Ukraine had hoped. While Zelensky emphasised the need for decisive backing, European powers remain reluctant to escalate their involvement, particularly concerning the supply of long-range missiles that could strike deeper into Russia.
The lukewarm response is compounded by the US administration’s reluctance to grant Kyiv the go-ahead for more aggressive military tactics. Although Zelensky secured a $375 million aid package from President Joe Biden last month, Ukraine’s requests for permission to target Russian territory more extensively were not granted.
Zelensky’s diplomatic tour concluded without the clear commitments he sought. Nonetheless, the Ukrainian leader remains optimistic that his newly revealed strategy could sway the global community to intensify its efforts and support Kyiv’s ambition to end the war next year.
“If we start implementing this Victory Plan now, we may be able to end the war no later than next year,” Zelensky told the Ukrainian parliament, underscoring the urgency of his appeal.
The Five Pillars of Victory
The first pillar of the plan is Ukraine’s long-standing desire to join NATO and eventually the European Union (EU), solidifying its place within the Western security and economic frameworks. For Zelensky, NATO membership represents not only a symbolic victory but also a crucial strategic safeguard against future aggression from Moscow. Yet, NATO members remain hesitant to offer full membership while Ukraine is still engaged in active conflict, leaving the prospect of an invitation unclear.
Secondly, the plan sets out measures to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. This includes further development of air defense systems to protect against Russian missile and drone strikes, which have targeted cities across Ukraine in recent weeks. As winter approaches, Ukraine is particularly vulnerable to attacks on its energy infrastructure, with Russian forces already striking power stations and other critical facilities.
Zelensky has also reiterated his call for NATO countries to relax restrictions on the use of long-range missiles, which would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory. Such requests have thus far been rebuffed, with concerns over escalating the conflict keeping Western leaders from granting Kyiv’s demands.
The third pillar involves joint defense operations with European neighbours. Zelensky has urged cooperation in shooting down Russian missiles and drones using advanced air defense systems from NATO countries. But NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg previously ruled out such involvement, insisting that the alliance would not be drawn directly into the conflict.
Ukraine’s operations in Russia’s Kursk region form the fourth element of the plan. Observers say Zelensky views the incursions as an essential bargaining chip in any future peace talks. Kyiv remains adamant that no Ukrainian territory will be ceded to Russia, rejecting any proposals that would involve trading land for peace.
Lastly, the Victory Plan includes a novel proposal for deploying a non-nuclear strategic deterrent within Ukraine. While Zelensky did not elaborate on what this would entail, he argued that such a measure would force Moscow into meaningful negotiations or face a certain loss in the war.
Rebuilding and Looking Ahead
Beyond military strategies, Zelensky’s plan envisions a post-war Ukraine rebuilt on stronger economic foundations. He stressed that Ukraine’s military experience, gained through years of conflict, could be used to strengthen European security, potentially replacing some US forces stationed on the continent.
“We hear the word ‘negotiations’ from our partners, and the word ‘justice’ is much less frequently used,” Zelensky said in his address, a pointed comment on the international community’s pressure to reach a settlement. “Ukraine is open to diplomacy, but to honest diplomacy,” he added, calling for peace that does not come at the cost of Ukrainian territory or sovereignty.
Despite these ambitious goals, the plan’s success will depend on international support, which remains uncertain. While Zelensky continues to champion Ukraine’s cause on the global stage, the fatigue of allies and the long duration of the war weigh heavily on their willingness to escalate their involvement.
Russian Rejection
The Kremlin, as expected, quickly dismissed Zelensky’s latest overtures. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, derided the Victory Plan, claiming that Ukraine would need to “sober up” and recognise the futility of its efforts before any peace could be achieved. Moscow continues to insist that Ukraine must make territorial concessions, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, for any meaningful negotiations to proceed.
For now, both sides remain entrenched, with no clear end in sight. Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” may be his most comprehensive effort yet to break the deadlock, but whether it can deliver the peace that Ukrainians hope for—and the security guarantees they need—remains to be seen.
As winter approaches and the war grinds on, Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance, its president still seeking the international support he needs to secure victory.
- Image: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout.