Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing a high-stakes “victory plan” designed to lay the groundwork for peace with Russia. Set to unveil the ambitious strategy to Ukrainian lawmakers on Wednesday, Zelenskyy’s plan faces a tepid reception after a European tour where Western leaders refrained from endorsing his proposals.
The “victory plan,” aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s hand in future negotiations, calls for NATO membership for Ukraine, the green light to use Western long-range weaponry within Russian borders, bolstered defense support, and tighter sanctions on Russia. Zelenskyy has underscored the urgency, pushing for allies to support the plan within three months—a timeline that some European leaders reportedly find ambitious.
Zelenskyy’s tour of the West and initial pitch to U.S. President Joe Biden yielded little public commitment, especially as U.S. 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump signaled he would cut or even halt Ukraine aid if elected. The strategic presentation before Ukrainian Parliament and the European Council this week comes as Ukraine battles ongoing Russian advances in the East and struggles with limited resources.
The postponed Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, initially set for Ramstein Air Base and delayed by U.S. domestic emergencies, has left Kyiv awaiting further clarity on Western support. As Zelenskyy continues to press for stronger alliances, the question looms: will Western nations take up the call, or will Ukraine have to go it alone in its fight for security and sovereignty?
