Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is traveling to the U.S. to present a "victory plan" to shape Washington's Ukraine policy, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Zelenskiy aims to meet with President Joe Biden and potential successors, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, and will address the U.N. General Assembly during the trip.
Zelenskiy believes that if his plan gains Western support, it will significantly impact Russia, potentially influencing President Vladimir Putin to seek a diplomatic end to the war. The "Victory Plan" calls for strategic moves by Ukraine's allies from now through December and serves as a prelude to a second peace summit that Ukraine plans to host later this year. Zelenskiy has emphasized that peace cannot come through freezing the conflict or any actions that would only delay Russian aggression.
The gap between both sides remains wide. Zelenskiy seeks full NATO and European Union membership for Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territory. Putin, however, insists that Kyiv must relinquish parts of eastern and southern Ukraine and abandon its NATO ambitions before peace talks can begin.
This trip is crucial for Ukraine, especially as the possibility of Trump winning the November election looms. Trump has not committed to supporting Ukraine’s victory and has suggested he would aim to end the war swiftly. On the other hand, Harris has criticized Trump, accusing him of supporting Ukraine's capitulation.
As the election nears, Ukraine has demonstrated strength, including a risky military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in early August, major drone strikes, and new weapons development. Russia, meanwhile, has ramped up its offensive, utilizing drones and missiles and increasing the size of its army.
Zelenskiy's plan emphasizes military operations, strengthening Ukraine’s defenses, and securing economic support. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko has noted that Zelenskiy may seek long-term guarantees of U.S. aid extending into 2025.
Meanwhile, Ukraine hopes to strike deep into Russian territory, but U.S. support for these actions remains uncertain. The situation on the battlefield remains intense, with Russia advancing in key areas while Ukraine faces significant challenges.
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