President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced the completion of Ukraine's "Victory Plan," a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving peace while maintaining the country's strength and avoiding "frozen conflicts." This development comes as the conflict with Russia enters its third year, with the invasion having begun in February 2022.
The plan, which Zelenskiy intends to present to U.S. President Joe Biden during the upcoming United Nations Security Council and General Assembly sessions, represents a significant diplomatic effort. These UN bodies, comprising 193 member states, have been instrumental in addressing the ongoing conflict, passing several resolutions condemning Russia's actions since 2014.
While specific details remain undisclosed, Zelenskiy emphasized that the plan aims to create terms acceptable to Ukraine. The strategy builds upon a peace proposal presented in late 2022, which called for the withdrawal of Russian forces, restoration of Ukraine's post-Soviet borders, and mechanisms to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
The "Victory Plan" has been a focal point of international diplomacy, including a peace summit hosted by Switzerland in June 2024. This summit, which excluded Russia, laid the groundwork for future discussions. Notably, the potential for Russian participation in subsequent gatherings remains open, despite current tensions.
Zelenskiy has consistently rejected negotiations while Russian troops occupy nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory. This stance reflects the complex history of the conflict, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which remains unrecognized by the international community.
The plan's development involved extensive consultations and military considerations. Zelenskiy reported that recent meetings with top commanders produced "good and strong content" that could "significantly strengthen Ukraine." This military aspect is crucial, given the ongoing tensions in regions like Donbas and the brief occupation of the Chernobyl site by Russian forces in 2022.
"The most important thing is the determination to implement it. There is no alternative to peace, no freezing of the war or any other manipulations that would simply postpone Russian aggression to another stage."
Ukraine's diplomatic efforts occur against a backdrop of international support and legal actions. The International Criminal Court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 underscores the global legal implications of the conflict.
As Ukraine moves forward with its "Victory Plan," the international community watches closely. The plan's success could have far-reaching implications, not only for Ukraine's sovereignty but also for regional stability and global diplomatic relations.