Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined an ambitious 'victory plan' to bring an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Central to this plan is Ukraine's immediate membership in NATO, which Zelensky argues is crucial for deterring further Russian aggression. He also seeks to leverage Western long-range weapons for strategic strikes within Russia and calls for intensified sanctions against Moscow.
Zelensky's strategy includes bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities and lifting restrictions on Western arms. He emphasizes the need for a robust air defense system and the deployment of a significant non-nuclear arsenal to deter further threats. The plan also involves economic measures, such as de-centralizing energy suppliers and promoting Ukraine's valuable natural resources as bargaining chips.
Zelensky aims to implement his plan swiftly, ideally before the inauguration of the next US president, recognizing the pivotal role of American support. However, the timeline has raised concerns among allies, with some expressing reservations about the feasibility of such a rapid execution.
As Russia continues to advance in Ukraine's eastern regions, Zelensky's proposal is a 'peace through strength' approach, hoping to force Russia to negotiate through strategic military and economic pressure. Despite Moscow's dismissal of the plan, Zelensky remains determined, seeking international backing to strengthen Ukraine's position.
The plan also highlights the crucial role of Ukraine's battle-hardened troops in a post-war scenario, presenting them as valuable assets for NATO. As the war enters another winter, Zelensky's vision is to conclude the conflict by 2025, on terms favorable to Ukraine, while preparing for potential shifts in global political dynamics.
