Ukrainian President Zelensky to Reveals "Victory Plan" Amid Rising Challenges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to reveal his much-anticipated "victory plan" to Parliament on Wednesday. This plan, long hinted at in talks with Western leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden, will outline Ukraine’s strategies to secure a stronger position in future peace negotiations with Russia.

The plan is expected to cover military, political, diplomatic, and economic goals. For Ukraine, this could be its final chance to shape the future of the conflict. However, no country has publicly supported or questioned the feasibility of the plan yet.

Zelensky is eager to put the plan in motion before the U.S. elects its next president. Ukrainian officials acknowledge that neither candidate—whether it’s Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump—guarantees a better outcome for Ukraine. This makes it urgent for Zelensky to act now.

[US Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)]

Mounting Challenges on the Battlefield

Ukraine is facing increasing difficulties on the battlefield. Russian forces are gaining ground in the east, particularly near the logistics hub of Pokrovsk. This has put extra pressure on Ukraine's military, which is struggling with limited ammunition and fewer soldiers. Mobilizing more troops has also been a challenge.

On Monday, Serhii Leshchenko, a top adviser to Zelensky, announced that the President would present his plan to Parliament this week. There’s hope that the strategy will offer a roadmap to counter these military setbacks. However, it’s unclear how much of the plan Zelensky will reveal. Some officials believe sensitive parts may be kept secret, while others think the full strategy might be unveiled.

The Importance of Western Support

A key element of the plan is continued support from Western countries. Without it, Ukraine's position in future negotiations with Russia could be weak. The country has already lost 20% of its territory and tens of thousands of lives in the war. Any ceasefire without significant Western backing would likely not favor Ukraine.

Zelensky’s victory plan includes joining NATO, a move Ukraine believes will help prevent future Russian invasions. The plan also calls for gaining access to more long-range Western weapons and increasing sanctions on Russia. Strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses is another crucial goal. But despite these efforts, no Western country has publicly backed the plan yet.

Ukraine’s Gains in Russian Territory

Part of the victory plan involves leveraging Ukraine’s recent gains on Russian territory. In August, Ukraine made a surprise move into the Kursk region of Russia, capturing about 380 square miles. Zelensky believes this could be used as a bargaining chip in future talks with Moscow.

While this military success gives Ukraine some hope, it is clear that a lot still depends on Western support. Zelensky has been promoting the plan to allies, but so far, none have offered clear backing. Some countries have even raised concerns about the tight deadline for adopting key parts of the plan.

NATO Membership Still Uncertain

One of the most critical aspects of the plan is Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. Zelensky argues that being part of the alliance would make it harder for Russia to invade again in the future. But NATO membership for Ukraine is not guaranteed. Western leaders are worried that inviting Ukraine to join could escalate tensions with Russia.

Zelensky has been pushing for answers from his allies, particularly during meetings like the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base. Unfortunately, the latest summit was postponed after U.S. President Biden had to cancel his trip due to Hurricane Milton in the United States. This delay has added more uncertainty to Ukraine’s situation.

The Clock is Ticking

Zelensky knows time is running out. He has been working hard to promote the victory plan in various Western capitals, but he hasn’t received a firm commitment from any of Ukraine’s allies. There is still hope that countries will step up, but concerns over the plan’s timeline remain.

For Ukraine, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With ongoing battles in the east, a shrinking military, and reliance on Western aid, Zelensky’s victory plan may be the country’s best shot at a more favorable end to the war. 

The next steps, however, depend largely on how much support Ukraine can secure from its allies in the coming weeks and months.