Ukraine to present ‘victory plan’ to US – Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will unveil a detailed “victory plan” to US President Joe Biden next month, outlining Ukraine’s strategy to advance its objectives in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This plan comes on the heels of a notable military operation in Russia’s Kursk region by Ukrainian forces, which Zelensky describes as a crucial part of his country’s broader strategy for achieving success.

In his remarks at a recent forum, Zelensky emphasized that the effectiveness of the “victory plan” will depend significantly on US support. He highlighted that the plan’s success is contingent upon whether the US will provide the resources and backing needed, and whether Ukraine will be allowed the necessary autonomy to execute it. The President also intends to present the plan to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, reflecting a broad engagement with key American political figures.

The incursion into Kursk, which occurred in early August, has so far proven difficult for Russian forces to counter effectively. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top military commander, reported that Ukrainian troops currently control approximately 1,294 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory, including 100 settlements. Although these figures have not been independently verified, they illustrate a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict. Syrskyi clarified that Ukraine does not plan to retain control over this territory long-term; instead, the incursion aims to divert Russian military attention from Ukraine’s own offensives in the eastern regions, such as around the strategic town of Pokrovsk.

In a related development, Zelensky announced a breakthrough in Ukraine’s defense capabilities with the successful test of a domestically-produced ballistic missile. This achievement represents a significant step toward reducing Ukraine’s reliance on Western military aid. Although the President did not disclose specific details about the missile, the test underscores Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to bolster its self-sufficiency in military technology.

Despite these advancements, Ukraine remains heavily dependent on international assistance. Zelensky mentioned that recently delivered F-16 fighter jets, provided by Western allies, have been used to intercept Russian missiles in recent days. However, he stressed the ongoing need for additional jets to effectively counter the missile threats from Russia.

The conflict has intensified with Russia launching a series of drone and missile strikes against Ukraine, causing fatalities and widespread blackouts. Zelensky pointed out that such escalations reflect Moscow’s unwillingness to engage in peace talks, asserting that “when they want [peace talks], they don’t launch 230 air strikes.” This perspective aligns with recent statements from the Kremlin, which have signaled a reluctance to consider negotiations at this time.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated that discussions about potential peace talks have become increasingly irrelevant amidst the ongoing military actions. The Russian government’s firm stance suggests that diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict are not currently a priority.

As Ukraine continues to navigate these challenges, the forthcoming presentation of the “victory plan” to President Biden will be a pivotal moment in determining the future trajectory of the conflict. The plan’s ambitious nature and its reliance on US support underscore the critical role that international partnerships play in Ukraine’s strategy to achieve its goals and respond to the evolving situation on the ground.