Ukraine’s Zelensky says ‘victory plan’ could push Russia to end war diplomatically
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attending the fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, on Sept 11.
PHOTO: REUTERS
KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept 11 that a “victory plan” he wants to present to US President Joe Biden in September would strengthen Kyiv and have a “psychological” impact that could push Russia to end its war diplomatically.
Speaking at Kyiv’s annual Crimean Platform event, Mr Zelensky said it was important that Ukraine present the plan to its allies before a second international summit on peace that he wants to hold later in 2024.
“If partners support it (the plan), it will make it easier for Ukraine to force Russia to end the war,” he said.
“What is this plan for? It is a serious strengthening of Ukraine and, in my opinion, it will have both psychological and political... influence on Russia’s decision to end this war.”
Mr Zelensky first spoke of the plan in August, saying he wanted to discuss it with Mr Biden and his two potential successors after the US presidential election in November.
Mr Zelensky is expected to travel to the UN General Assembly later in September.
It comes at a critical juncture in the war, with Russian troops continuing to inch forward in eastern Ukraine despite Kyiv’s forces launching a surprise incursion in August into Russia’s Kursk region.
Ukraine has been pushing for a follow-up summit to advance its vision of peace. The first summit, held in Switzerland in June, pointedly excluded Russia, while attracting scores of delegations.
Kyiv has said it supports Russia attending the follow-up one, as many countries in the Global South would like to see both sides in the war attend. Moscow has said it will not negotiate with Kyiv as long as Ukrainian forces are on its territory. REUTERS
