Wed Sep 25 07:46:13 UTC 2024: ## Western Backers of Ukraine Call for Diplomacy with Putin Amid Doubts Over Zelensky’s “Victory Plan”

Amidst escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict, at least one Western nation backing Ukraine is reportedly pushing for diplomatic engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Bloomberg. This move comes as some officials express skepticism towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan” for ending the conflict.

These potential talks with Moscow could occur before the G20 leaders’ meeting in Brazil in mid-November, with Zelensky or other parties potentially leading the negotiations. Zelensky is currently in the US, where he is promoting his plan, which Moscow has previously dismissed as unrealistic. The Ukrainian leader plans to unveil the details to US President Joe Biden this week, acknowledging that Washington’s support is crucial for its success.

However, sources cited by Bloomberg suggest the proposal lacks any major breakthroughs and won’t significantly alter the conflict’s trajectory. One official described it as a “wish list” rather than a concrete plan of action.

While Kyiv has categorically ruled out negotiations with Russia and dismissed any compromise, Ukrainian officials have proposed that by escalating the conflict, they can force Moscow to accept peace on their terms. This strategy includes seeking permission to use donated Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia, a move that Putin has warned would be considered a direct act of war by NATO, prompting a decisive response.

Ukraine’s demands also include NATO-style security guarantees, an accelerated path to join the US-led military bloc, and long-term financial support that future US administrations wouldn’t be able to revoke.

Moscow views the conflict as a US-led proxy war against Russia, with the West allegedly willing to fight “to the last Ukrainian.” Russian officials consider Ukrainian accession to NATO an existential threat and have stressed that it must be prevented at all costs.

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