Zelenskiy States ‘Victory Plan’ May Encourage Russia to Pursue Diplomatic Resolution to War

KYIV – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine announced on Wednesday that he is preparing to present a "victory plan" to U.S. President Joe Biden this month. He believes this plan would enhance Ukraine’s strength and create a "psychological" impact that may encourage Russia to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war.

During his remarks at the annual Crimean Platform event in Kyiv, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of showcasing this plan to allies ahead of a second international peace summit that he aims to host later this year. He stated, "If partners support it, it will make it easier for Ukraine to compel Russia to end the war."

Zelenskiy outlined that the plan is designed to significantly bolster Ukraine’s capabilities and suggested it could exert both psychological and political pressure on Russia, potentially influencing its decision to withdraw from the conflict.

He initially introduced this plan last month and expressed his desire to discuss it with Biden, as well as with his potential successors after the U.S. presidential election scheduled for November.

The Ukrainian leader is anticipated to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly later this month, which coincides with a critical phase in the war. While Russian forces continue to gain ground in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv’s military executed an unexpected incursion into Russia’s Kursk region last month.

Ukraine has been advocating for a follow-up summit to further its peace initiatives. The first summit, conducted in Switzerland in June, notably excluded Russia, although it attracted numerous delegations. Kyiv has indicated its readiness to have Russia participate in the subsequent summit, as several nations from the Global South prefer to see both parties involved in the discussions. However, Moscow has maintained that it will not engage in negotiations with Kyiv while Ukrainian troops remain on Russian territory.