Mon Sep 23 17:55:23 UTC 2024: ## Zelensky Heads to New York and Washington with Victory Plan for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will travel to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week and then head to Washington D.C. to present a plan for ending the war with Russia. While the specifics of the plan remain undisclosed, key elements have emerged based on Zelensky’s public statements.
Central to Zelensky’s strategy is the recognition that Russia, under President Putin, has not engaged in negotiations in good faith. While Putin claims openness to dialogue, his commitment to victory on the battlefield fuels Russia’s belief that it can still prevail militarily. Zelensky’s plan aims to shift the balance of power both on the battlefield and in future negotiations, refusing to cede any Ukrainian territory.
To achieve this shift, Zelensky is seeking enhanced military support from the United States, including permission to use American-supplied weapons, such as ATACMS missiles, to strike deeper into Russian territory. Ukraine argues that long-range strikes are necessary to target Russian military installations and prevent further aggression.
However, Zelensky’s plan also includes a focus on security guarantees for Ukraine, seeking a mutual defense pact similar to NATO membership. This comes in light of potential concessions from the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance, who have suggested offering territorial concessions to Russia.
The success of Zelensky’s plan hinges on securing the necessary U.S. backing and on whether Putin perceives the threat of an intensified Ukrainian offensive as credible enough to push him to negotiate.
The visit comes as the White House prepares a new $375 million military aid package for Ukraine.
Ultimately, Zelensky hopes his plan will create a pathway towards a peaceful resolution of the war, ensuring the satisfaction of those who respect international law, those who live in Ukraine, and those who have lost loved ones.
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