Zelensky to Present ‘Victory Plan’ to Biden, Lawmakers, and Hopefuls

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the United States on Monday to advocate for his strategy to secure victory in the ongoing conflict with Russia. His visit marks a significant opportunity to present his vision to current and prospective U.S. leadership, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, as well as lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Zelensky is set to unveil his “plan for victory” during meetings scheduled for this week, marking the first time he will present this strategy to Biden. The plan comprises three primary components aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. These include increasing the supply of weapons and ammunition to support Ukrainian forces, enhancing diplomatic efforts to persuade Russia to negotiate for peace, and holding Russia accountable for its actions since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

In addition to these priorities, Zelensky is determined to push for the U.S. and its allies to remove restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles. He believes that such a move could significantly impact the war, even as concerns remain regarding perceptions of Western involvement in the conflict and potential escalations.

In a video message shared before departing, Zelensky expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “This fall will determine the future of this war. Together with our partners, we can strengthen our positions as needed for our victory—a shared victory for a truly just peace.”

During his trip, Zelensky plans to engage with leaders from the Global South, G7 nations, and various international organizations. Many of these discussions are scheduled to take place in New York, coinciding with a U.N. Security Council meeting and the U.N. General Assembly, where he is set to deliver a speech.

On Sunday, while visiting a munitions plant in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which produces artillery shells for Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized that his strategy takes into account the upcoming U.S. presidential election. He noted, “The plan includes not only what is needed from Biden today. There will be a new president in the United States, and we need to talk to each of the candidates.”

Despite his efforts, Zelensky faces challenges in persuading Biden, who has voiced that a decision on the use of U.S.-supplied long-range weapons on Russian soil has not yet been made. This topic remains a significant point of contention, and changing minds within U.S. policy circles will be crucial for Zelensky’s objectives.

As the Ukrainian president undertakes this important diplomatic mission, the Biden administration is also working to finalize a substantial military aid package worth $375 million. This package, intended to be executed before the end of the fiscal year on September 30, includes artillery munitions, rockets, air defense missiles, and medium-range missiles for F-16 fighter jets supplied by NATO allies.

However, progress on this military assistance faces uncertainty, as lawmakers grapple with a stopgap funding bill crucial for preventing a government shutdown on October 1. This political backdrop adds complexity to Zelensky’s efforts to solidify U.S. support for Ukraine at a critical juncture in the conflict.

Amidst his meetings and media appearances, Zelensky’s resolve to secure assistance and diplomatic backing underscores the ongoing urgency of Ukraine’s defense efforts. As the international community watches closely, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for the future of Ukraine and its war against Russian aggression.

Source: UPI