As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, Volodymyr Zelenskiy is embarking on a significant diplomatic mission to the United States. The Ukrainian President's primary objective is to present a "victory plan" to key allies, seeking crucial support in the ongoing war.
Zelenskiy's visit, scheduled for September 2024, includes addressing the United Nations General Assembly, an annual event that brings together world leaders. This platform will provide an opportunity for Ukraine to garner international attention and support for its cause.
The timing of this trip is critical, coming just weeks before the November 5, 2024, US presidential election. Zelenskiy aims to meet not only with President Joe Biden but also with potential successors Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. This strategy underscores Ukraine's desire to secure long-term support, regardless of the election outcome.
Ukraine's "victory plan" seeks rapid assistance from strategic partners, with Zelenskiy emphasizing the need for concrete steps by the end of December. This plan is seen as a bridge to a potential peace summit later in the year, to which Russia may be invited.
The conflict, which began in 2014 and escalated in 2022, has seen recent developments. Ukraine conducted a high-risk incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6, 2024, while Russia has intensified its offensive efforts since October 2023.
Zelenskiy is expected to advocate for long-range strike capabilities, a request that has previously been met with caution from Washington. The Ukrainian leader argues that such capabilities could target military installations up to 300 km inside Russian territory, potentially altering the conflict's dynamics.
"The Victory Plan envisages quick and concrete steps by our strategic partners - from now until the end of December."
Ukraine faces significant challenges, including economic pressures and energy concerns. The government is planning its first wartime tax increases to address a substantial funding gap for its military. Additionally, Russian strikes have damaged a considerable portion of Ukraine's energy-producing capacity, raising concerns about the upcoming winter.
Public opinion in Ukraine shows evolving perspectives on the conflict. A May 2024 poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed that 32% of Ukrainians were open to certain territorial concessions to end the war, up from 10% in May 2022. However, most respondents envisioned temporary arrangements rather than permanent territorial losses.
As Ukraine continues its efforts to join NATO and the European Union, the country remains committed to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The outcome of Zelenskiy's US visit and the reception of the "victory plan" could significantly influence the conflict's trajectory and Ukraine's future in the international community.