Zelensky to present ‘victory plan’ to Biden, Harris and Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present a comprehensive “plan for victory” in the ongoing war with Russia during his visit to the United States this week. He will discuss his strategy not only with President Joe Biden but also with Congress, as well as the two major candidates in the upcoming presidential election: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

A key focus of Zelensky’s discussions will be to persuade the US and its allies to permit Ukraine to utilize the long-range missiles supplied by them, enabling strikes deep into Russian territory for the first time since the conflict began. This pivotal moment comes as the White House prepares a new military aid package valued at $375 million (£283 million) for Ukraine. In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky emphasized that this autumn would be crucial in determining the war’s outcome.

Ahead of his visit, Zelensky outlined three main components of his strategy: securing further military assistance, enhancing diplomatic efforts to compel Russia to negotiate a peace settlement, and ensuring accountability for Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in 2022. His plan highlights Ukraine’s ongoing plea for Western allies, particularly the US and UK, to lift restrictions on the deployment of long-range missiles. Ukrainian officials argue that these strikes are vital for targeting Russian installations believed to be involved in launching attacks against Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned Western nations that long-range missile strikes would be interpreted as “direct participation” by NATO in the conflict. When asked by reporters about his decision on allowing Ukraine to use US-made long-range weapons, Biden replied, “No,” indicating hesitance regarding this critical issue.

Former President Trump, known for his previous criticisms of US support for Ukraine, indicated that he would “probably” meet with Zelensky during the visit. Trump has proposed his own plan to end the war “within 24 hours” if he were to be re-elected, although he has yet to provide specific details about this strategy. In discussions with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trump reportedly expressed intentions to halt all financial support for Ukraine, suggesting that such a move could lead to a resolution of the conflict.

Zelensky’s upcoming meetings will also serve to express gratitude for the support Ukraine has received from its allies, particularly the United States, which he referred to as the “leading supporter” in the fight against Russian aggression. To date, the US has committed a staggering $56 billion in military and humanitarian aid to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Upon arriving in the United States on Sunday, Zelensky made a symbolic stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of President Biden. There, he visited a munitions factory that plays a crucial role in supplying arms for the Ukrainian military. This visit underscores the importance of American industrial support in the ongoing conflict.

Following his meetings in Washington, Zelensky is scheduled to travel to New York City for a series of engagements at the United Nations. He will participate in a planned meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, followed by a significant address at the General Assembly on Wednesday. This platform will provide him an opportunity to garner further international support for Ukraine’s cause and to articulate the urgency of the situation facing his nation.

As the war continues to unfold, Zelensky’s visit to the US is poised to reinforce the importance of Western unity in addressing Russian aggression. His “victory plan” aims not only to secure immediate military assistance but also to lay the groundwork for a long-term strategy that seeks peace and accountability in the face of ongoing challenges. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the course of the conflict and the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty.