Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” fears more attacks against Russia – DW – 10/16/2024

President Volodymyr Zelensky unveiled his long-awaited “Victory Plan” before Ukraine’s parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, and left his war-weary country facing an uncertain November 5 presidential election with its key ally, the United States. Urged to remain united in time.

As Russian forces advance east and a severe winter of energy shortages looms, Zelensky explained to lawmakers that his plan had five main points that depended on Kiev’s allies, including joining NATO and specific weapons. Also included was an unconditional invitation to support.

He stressed to lawmakers and senior officials, “Together with our partners, we must change the circumstances so that the war ends. No matter what Putin wants. We all must change the circumstances so that Russia is forced to make peace.” “

non-nuclear deterrence

His third point emphasized the need for Ukraine to acquire a non-nuclear deterrent capability, which he said would be sufficient to deter Russian military power. He did not provide further details, but said there was an additional secret addendum that he could not reveal.

The plan also envisions a Western role in protecting Ukraine’s natural mineral resources from Russian attacks, he said, as well as the promise of post-war reconstruction.

The speech was attended by his top military, intelligence and political chiefs as well as lawmakers, some of whom occasionally stood up to applaud.

“Joint” and without losing territory

After two and a half years of war, the speech sought to convince Ukraine’s weary public that the war could soon end and stressed the importance of ordinary Ukrainians remaining united as the challenges of the war grew.

The Ukrainian President asked, “We have achieved and are achieving results in the fight thanks to our unity. Therefore, please do not lose unity.”

Addressing parliament, the Ukrainian leader said it could be possible to end the conflict with Russia before next year if his plan was implemented now.

Furthermore, he refused to give up “territory” to end the war: “Russia must lose the war against Ukraine. (The front line) cannot be ‘frozen’. No exchange of Ukrainian territory or sovereignty. -Can’t be provided”, he said before the delegates.

For Russia, a “hidden” American plan

The Kremlin responded by saying that it was too early to comment in detail on the Ukrainian president’s “victory plan”, but that Kiev needed to “come to its senses” and realize the futility of the policies it is pursuing.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Ukrainian plan was likely a “hidden” US plan, which he said was to use Kiev to fight Russia “to the last Ukrainian”.

“But there could be a different plan, one that could actually be peaceful,” Peskov said, “which requires the Kiev regime to realize the futility of those policies and wake up and recognize the reasons that led to this conflict.” ” ,

Russia is strongly opposed to Ukraine joining NATO. Washington, which has provided billions of dollars in arms and aid to Ukraine, has said it is up to Kiev how it deals with Russia.

Uncertainty before US elections

Ukraine faces both difficulties and uncertainty ahead of the US elections, which could lead to the return of Donald Trump to the White House. The former Republican president has pledged to end the war quickly before taking office if he wins, an idea that Kiev supporters fear would involve major concessions to Russia.

Zelensky met his key ally US President Joe Biden in Washington in late September to present the plan. On a subsequent whirlwind tour of Europe, he met the leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Germany to discuss it. And, this Thursday (17/10/2024) he will go to the summit of EU leaders in Brussels to present his plan.

RML (EFE, Reuters, updated at 13:02 CET)