Wed Sep 25 08:21:34 UTC 2024: ## Zelensky’s ‘Victory Plan’ Faces Skepticism from Western Allies

**New York, NY** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s highly anticipated “victory plan,” set to be presented to US and allied leaders this week in New York, is facing growing skepticism, according to Western officials who spoke with Bloomberg.

Sources familiar with Zelensky’s conversations with foreign leaders believe the plan, though touted as a potential breakthrough in the conflict with Russia, lacks any real surprises and is unlikely to be a game-changer. One source described it as a “wish list,” while others voiced concerns that it is more of a reflection of Ukrainian ambitions than a realistic roadmap to peace.

This pessimism underscores a deepening sense of uncertainty among allied nations regarding the future of the conflict. At least one ally has suggested that a new round of outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin is necessary, either through Zelensky or Ukraine’s foreign backers.

While the West remains committed to supporting Ukraine, they are also seeking clarification from Zelensky on what a potential peace agreement with Russia would entail.

The “victory plan,” which has not been publicly released, reportedly outlines four key elements:

* **Western security guarantees for Ukraine:** Similar to NATO’s collective defense principle.
* **Continuation of Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region:** Seen as a territorial bargaining chip.
* **Delivery of advanced weapons:** “Specific” weapons are requested from foreign backers.
* **International financial aid:** Continued support for Ukraine’s economy.

Despite the skepticism, Zelensky remains optimistic, stating in an interview with ABC News that “we are closer to peace than we think.” However, he insists that his plan is not about negotiations with Russia, but about “strengthening Ukraine.”

During his address to the UN Security Council, Zelensky reiterated his stance, arguing that the conflict “cannot be calmed by talks” and that Moscow “can only be forced into peace.”

While in New York, Zelensky plans to discuss his plan with US President Joe Biden, members of Congress, and both presidential contenders, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The Kremlin, for its part, has expressed difficulty evaluating the plan due to a lack of reliable information. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the conflict will only end when Russia achieves all of its military operation goals, “one way or another.”

Read More