The Challenges Facing President Zelensky’s Victory Plan
For several weeks, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has been actively advocating for his comprehensive victory plan, which he asserts will bring an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia by next year. However, despite his vigorous lobbying efforts, Western leaders have offered only lukewarm support for his initiatives.
To date, no nation has permitted Ukraine to utilize Western long-range missiles against military targets located deep within Russian territory. Additionally, no major power has publicly supported the idea of inviting Ukraine into NATO while the war continues to rage.
By these standards, Mr. Zelensky’s recent diplomatic tour across the United States and Europe, spanning the past six weeks, could be perceived as a lack of success. Yet, some military analysts and diplomats contend that the true audience for his plan may actually be within Ukraine itself.
Through his persistent advocacy—including a notable address to the Ukrainian Parliament—Mr. Zelensky aims to demonstrate to his fellow citizens that he has left no stone unturned in seeking support. This approach also serves to prepare the Ukrainian populace for the difficult possibility that they may need to negotiate a settlement. Furthermore, it provides a convenient scapegoat: the perceived inadequacies of Western support.
As Western backing appears to dwindle, coupled with significant losses along the eastern front and in the Kursk region of Russia, Mr. Zelensky faces a pressing challenge. The imminent U.S. presidential election could lead to a substantial shift in foreign policy towards Ukraine, leaving him with limited options.
- “He has to go cap in hand to push the plan, sort of carve out a position and then say at home, having asked, that this is now what we have to do,” remarked Michael John Williams, a professor of international relations at Syracuse University and a former adviser to NATO.
- He added: “At least he can say he’s tried. He’s exhausted the possibilities.”
