Thursday, October 17, 2024

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Unveils 'Victory' Plan to End War

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a comprehensive "victory" plan to the Ukrainian parliament, aiming to achieve a just peace and bring an end to the ongoing war with Russia. The plan, which consists of five main points and three undisclosed annexes, outlines steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position and ensure long-term security.

"Ukraine's victory plan is designed to bolster our state and solidify our strength, making us capable of ending the war," Zelenskyy explained. He expressed optimism, stating, "If we start implementing this plan now, we may be able to end the war as early as next year."

This plan comes at a critical time as Russian forces continue to make gradual advances on the front lines, while Ukraine's future international support remains uncertain, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November.

Key Points of the Victory Plan:

  1. NATO Invitation: Zelenskyy emphasized that an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO would send a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. While actual NATO membership might take time, Zelenskyy argued that an invitation would demonstrate Western commitment. However, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte refrained from promising immediate support for Ukraine's NATO invitation, saying the plan encompasses more than just membership.

  2. Increased Military Support: Zelenskyy is pushing for quicker and unrestricted delivery of weapons to Ukraine. He called for Western countries to provide advanced defense systems, real-time satellite data, and air support to deter Russian attacks. He also requested the removal of restrictions on using these weapons to strike within Russia, highlighting Ukraine’s recent success in operations near the Kursk region as evidence of Putin’s dwindling military strength.

  3. Strategic Deterrence: Ukraine proposes a comprehensive non-nuclear deterrence strategy to protect itself from any future Russian aggression. This deterrence package, according to Zelenskyy, would either force Russia into honest peace negotiations or render it incapable of continuing the war. The exact military assets involved were not disclosed, but Zelenskyy stated that U.S., German, French, and British leaders are aware of Ukraine’s specific needs.

  4. Economic Collaboration with Allies: Zelenskyy’s plan includes leveraging Ukraine’s natural resources, such as lithium, gas, and titanium, by partnering with the European Union and the U.S. to share these critical assets. He also suggested collaborative energy production agreements for the post-war period.

  5. Post-War Security Role: Zelenskyy proposed that, once the war ends, Ukrainian troops could replace certain U.S. military contingents stationed in Europe. He argued that Ukraine’s battle-hardened forces have demonstrated their capability to stand against Russian aggression, which could enhance European security in the future.

The remaining parts of the plan, which were kept confidential, are being withheld from Russia and the public.

As Zelenskyy works to rally international support for his vision, the Kremlin remains firm in its stance, with Russian officials continuing to demand Ukraine’s withdrawal from contested territories, abandonment of its NATO ambitions, and other conditions that Kyiv has consistently rejected.

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